My dearest Patty,
We made it! Your dad and I are so proud of ourselves for surviving one year with two kids. Today, you are a year old!
We celebrated your special day twice today. One at childcare, where you blew a candle and ate cake with your classmates, and one here at home. You opened your gifts and then we went to the city for a nice Thai dinner. You and Ate Katie had ice cream afterwards.
Next week, we’ll have a big party with our Wellington friends. I’ve got the décor, the games and the food planned already. We’ll have fun!
This past year, you reached a lot of milestones. I am so glad I got to witness (and document) them. Right now, you can already walk, albeit still a bit wobbly. You make a lot of sounds and try to copy the words that I say. You know the nursery rhymes, and attempt to dance when you hear them.
You are curious and like to explore. In the Monday playgroup, you actually prefer going to the toddlers’ area rather than the babies’ space. I guess the toddler toys are much more interesting to you.
I have no problem feeding you at all. You will try anything, it’s amazing, given that you’ve only got two teeth (so far). Right now, we are still breast feeding, and there’s no sign of you stopping anytime soon. But that’s fine by me.
You can be quite loud and demanding, a huge difference from your Ate Katie, who is a little calmer and quieter (but no less demanding!). Expressive, that’s what you are. Not afraid to protest (and loudly too!), to get what you want. But overall, you are a happy, outgoing and friendly child.
This coming year, I so look forward to seeing more of your milestones. Talking, being more steady on your feet, and everything else that will let us see more of your personality.
My dear Patty, I want you to know that even though at the start I was worried about having a second child, please know that as soon as I saw your first ultrasound, my perspective changed and you already had a place in my heart. Taking care of you this past year was challenging, but it did give me more confidence as a mother and as an individual. My heart is full, with the two of you girls.
So, forward we go, my Patty-pat. I hope you know that you are so very wanted and so very loved. Our family would not be complete without you.
Love,
Mummy
