525,600 minutes

525,600 minutes,
525,000 moments so dear.
525,600 minutes,
how do you measure,
measure a year?

~"Seasons of Love" from Rent

Dear Sweet Emily,

It was 525,600 minutes ago that I held you in my arms for the first time, but it took less than a second to fall in love with you.


So much about you has changed in such a short time. Your tiny baby fingers have turned into hands that can hold and hug. Your sweet lips kiss us when you're happy and pout when you're not. And that dimple...I prayed that you would inherit Daddy's dimple.

In the past year, I've also watched your personality emerge. It was clear from the beginning that you were Mommy's Girl. You decided that it had to be me who put you to bed at night. At first it was hard to be the sole object of your affection. I don't know if it was me, or my hair, that you required to slumber off to dreamland. You insisted on pulling my hair the way that some babies insist on a pacifier. At one point, I desperately suggested that Daddy wear a wig so he could assume some of the nighttime duties. But now I see how fast you are growing and I realize that someday, not too far from now, I will wish for a time machine to take me back to these moments of snuggling, rocking, and hair-pulling.

I can also see that it won't be long before your big sister replaces me as your new favorite person. I watch you, watching her, and I am so grateful that God has given you each a best friend for life. One of the most delightful things has been watching the two of you fall in love with each other. You so cherish her attention that you recently giggled with delight as she attempted to teach you to walk by dragging you across the room. You also share your sister's love of books and words. At just a year old, you are starting to point and name your favorite things. And when I can't figure out what it is that you are trying to say, Natalie uses her sister sense to translate for me.


I've learned a lot about you in the last 525,600 minutes. Your heart is big and your hugs are bigger. You are sweet, but you can also be feisty when things don't go your way. You are a talker and have a lot to tell this world. You are a friend who loves to make others smile and laugh. Thank you for the cherished 525,600 minutes that you've filled with laughter and love.

I love you, Emmy,
Mommy

Post Script:I should mention that the darling picture of Emily smeared in birthday cake goodness was taken by my friend, photographer, and fellow teacher, Allison Carezna. You can click here to check out her website and blog.