Dearest izzybug,
What a year, my darling little girl.
As I look up at you, standing in the living room, giggling to yourself and playing with your toy box, I am overjoyed at your very existence. I, nor your father, have never done anything as amazing as raising you. And wowzas, has it been amazing.
We talk about the day we had you, like it was yesterday. You, once this barely 8 lb bundle of dimples and gnomish chub, are thriving. You are, sorta, walking. You are, sorta, talking. You love music and dance with the classic grace and flair of your mama…hahaha. You love being read to, love playing with mega blocks, stuffed animals get and give the best hugs, and I don’t mind (much) when you pinch my tattoos in tiny human wonder.
I’m so proud of you, in so many ways that it’s hard for me to concentrate and write down what you have really accomplished this year. It’s been amazing to watch you discover food, drinking from a cup, trying to climb, learning to be gentle with the kitties. You’ve started clicking your tongue at them, like your dad and I. You love being outside, in your swing or on the grass, staring at the chickens and calling to them. You love the flower section of any store, the soft petals and rough leaves a delight to your fingers. You walked your best steps so far, trying to get some of my kiwi. You’re a little nervous around dogs, but you love people- Always greeting everyone with a smile. You love taking things apart. You refuse to eat unless you can feed yourself, for the most part. You got your top two canines in before your front teeth. Every single thing about you is amazing. Every. Single. Thing.
There have been some missteps, some falls, some outright failures, but those are on us, not you, little one. I hope to remember that, while you grow- to remember that you are constantly growing and learning, and we are here to guide you, catch you when you fall.
Gosh, it’s a little overwhelming. All the feelings, you know? We want so much for you in this life, but mostly, we want for you to feel safe, and free, to be your own person. Sometimes that can be hard, living in a small town in a small county in a large state. But I promise, your father and I will be there to support you, help you, LOVE you, for as long as this life lets us. You are our sunshine, our bug, our most amazing and profound accomplishment. You are our little girl.
We love you,
Your mom and dad.
Gillis Gardens, LLC 