A Birthday Note from Mom

Dear Oliver,

About a year ago, when you were one week old, I wrote you a letter on Olieland expressing my joy and hopes at being your Mom.

Today you are one year old! And still I hold you, and the experience of being your Mom, in awe. So much has happened and yet, it seems like yesterday since you first arrived; since your Dad and I were trying to figure out how to change your diaper, since your first bath, since we struggled with our own inexperience and insecurity about caring for a child. This year, our growing family has faced many new experiences and mounted many steep learning curves. There have been a few trying moments and certainly many triumphs. Now it seems in many ways we're old pros - in all the ways that are behind us. Each new day brings a new joy and challenge. You are now getting around quite well and are so curious about the world around you. You are already starting to come into your own, to make your own demands, to express your own unique feelings, and to be your own person. Sometimes we still struggle to keep up; often we are your guides. Whichever, we are all on a great adventure together. All growing in so many ways. You are our first child and will always blaze a path ahead of you. We cherish you.

Love,

Mom