Dear Livia,
You are a year old now. It’s hard to believe it, but the calendar doesn’t lie. One year ago today, it was snowing hard. I was in the hospital, first in labor and then taking care of my brand new baby girl. You were beautiful, and it was so wonderful holding you, snug and warm, while watching the snow swirl outside. But you were also purple. The doctor promised that you were OK. Still I worried.
I needn’t have. You have been developing at a normal pace. Maybe you’re even a little bit advanced for your age. You certainly learned to walk early!
Today I went to work in Connecticut. It rained all day. I don’t know what I was thinking when I made the plans to travel this day. I realized it was your birthday, but I thought “Well, we’re not going to celebrate until the party, so what difference does it make?” But as I picked you up in the morning, kissed you, and wished you a happy birthday, I knew I wouldn’t be home again until after you had gone to bed, and I was sad. I thought of you all day and missed you.
I can’t even imagine what life would be like without you. I remember having a conversation with your dad after Marshall was born but before we were expecting you. We agreed that we had one more open space in our family.
You filled that space. You completed our family. I’m so glad you joined us, LivLuv, one year ago today. Happy Birthday!
Love,
Mom