Happy Birthday Panda

My Dear Son,

Today you turned one. Happy Birthday. It's hard to think that a whole year has passed. You have grown so much. You are as tall as some two year-old's now. One of your favorite things is being outside. Oh how you love to be outside. Freedom to run, stretch, feel, and experience this incredible life. You have grown into such a strong and loving boy. So curious about everything, yet incredibly tender and loving. Just the other day you decided your trucks needed breakfast and tucked them into a doll highchair to feed them, and a week or so ago you surprised us with how advanced your doll play is for your age and how nurturing. You put your doll baby into a highchair, fed him, hugged and kissed him, sang him a song, tucked him into a doll cradle, and rocked him to 'sleep'. You fill my heart with so many little moments like that. You will be an amazing father one day.

This morning, as I watched the sunlight softly kiss your sweet cheeks, your Poppy and I did not want to wake you. It was a special magical moment. In one year there is a simple truth have I learned. I'm passing this on to you so that you can read this some day when you have children. Never say something silly like, "I want to be the best mother/father in the world".  All any parent can do is strive to be the best parent for 'their child' that they can be. Every child is different, and every parent needs to respect that. Celebrate it. Every morning I thank God for you and renew this simple vow. Everyday I will strive to be the best mother I can be For You. You are a baby no longer, yet my baby forever. Happy birthday my toddler boy. I love you Panda.

With all my heart. Shine on.

 Love, Mum~