Happy Birthday Norah

Dear Norah,

Tomorrow is your first birthday. I am posting this now because tomorrow I plan to be nowhere near a computer. Instead, I plan on taking you to the park, chasing you around the house, smothering you with kisses, and stuffing you with cake.

You are the best damn kid I could ever imagine having. This has been an incredible year. It was not without challenges, but when all is said and done we feel as though we won the lottery. You have become this amazing little person. You walk, you talk, you laugh at dirty jokes. Today you ate a sun-dried tomato and liked it. I love your Frankenstein walk. I love that you chase the cat with the same amount of enthusiasm the 100th time as you had the 1st time. I love that you love books. I love that you love blocks. I love that when you wake up and want to be rescued from the crib you say 'Mama'. I love that you aren't afraid of anything. I love that you still need to sleep with us (although don't tell your dad I admitted that). I love how you curl into me and we sleep soundly all night. I love the way you dance, the way you crawl, the way you 'swim' in the tub. I love your laugh. I love your demon growl. I love your hugs, and although your kisses (read, bites) hurt, I appreciate the effort.

Every day that I know you I like you even more. Thanks for being so patient with us this year and showing us how it's done.

Happy birthday, Norah Bear. You rule.

Love,
Mom