Margo à la Maude: Overdue Birthday Letter

Overdue Birthday Letter

Dear Margo,

Since you were overdue (ok, not quite this much but close!), I feel that it is fitting that your one year birthday letter be overdue as well. Here goes. . .

I think you'll understand what I'm about to write best when you're a mama yourself. Someone once said: "The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new." Your one year birthday also is a celebration of the anniversary of when I became a mother. I want to thank you for making me so.

A little over a year ago, you came into my life after 44 hours of labour. One second it was just Papa and I in our little family, and the next, there you were. You were peaceful almost right away, with the odd birdlike squawk. We brought you home and you changed our world. Irreversibly. Irrevocably, indisputably. For the better.

Since you made me a mama, I've learned so much about what it means to put someone else's needs ahead of my own. I've learned that motherhood is not always (often?) glamorous but it is the most fulfilling job I'll ever do. I've been reminded of the importance of family. I've laughed at your silliness, cried at your pain, and marveled at the changes I've seen. The other day when we were changing your diaper, I noticed just how much of the change table you occupy, compared to when you were new. The space you take up in my thoughts, life, and heart is growing right alongside you. The heart's capacity to stretch and accommodate as I get to know you more is amazing.

You're not saying much yet; no formal words have escaped your lips, but you seem to have a good sense of humour (if we're listening to the radio and someone laughs, you join in without missing a beat, for example). I can tell that you feel safest when you're in Papa's lap, leaning against his chest. You are curious about everything and have an eye for detail. I put a new magnet toy on the fridge that you got as a birthday present, and the next morning when I carried you downstairs for breakfast you screamed in surprise when you saw it and immediately wanted to check it out. I love this curious nature. You are starting to walk really well and look a little less like a cowboy after a long horse ride as the days go on and you perfect your moves. Papa has written about this many times, but your independent nature cannot be overstated. I'm happy that you like it at Carmen's and are adjusting so well.

It was a very difficult decision to find someone to take care of you while Papa and I are at work, but I'm so glad that we found who we did. You are happy there, and that is a wonderful thing.

When I look at you now, I see a beautiful little girl, and it's hard to believe that you were a little tiny baby just twelve short months ago. Can we make a deal that such drastic changes are not to take place in your second year?

I love you, I love you, I love you, my amazing little girl. I look forward to getting to know you and growing as a mother as you grow into the person you will be. It's been an earth shatteringly wonderful whirlwind year, and I look to the future with so much excitement.