My Dearest Joslyn,
Today you are one. One whole glorious year old. Since the day you entered the world you have given us so much to be thankful for. As humbling as it is, this past year with you has been one incredible gift after another. We love you Joslyn more than words could ever express. Always.
This past month has been a bitter sweet one. Spending time with you is my most favorite thing in the world, and we've had a lot of it this month. But it has also come with some sadness. The countdown of my return to work has been a constant run on my mind. Knowing that I am one month, one week, and now days away from going back has me completely terrified. To think of living my days away from my sweetheart is a very unsettling feeling to say the least. But one thing I know in my heart is that you will be okay and you will flourish in your new environment. You will kick some major daycare tookus my dear. Because that's the kind of thing us Moisey's like to do!
Over the past month we have strategically worked you into Marjories home. You and I have had play dates there together, lunch there together, a few hours there by yourself, slept there through nap times, and up to full days a few times per week. You are happy, healthy, well engaged, safe, and most importantly loved at Marjories. Abby has become your new little friend at daycare. She is one month older than you and she adores you! From the moment you enter the room she showers you with hugs and smiles. We're delighted to see how well you've adapted to these new surroundings and circumstances. We couldn't be happier with the new friendships you've made.
You have a new obsession this month. It's a problem really. It's the phone. You are constantly after the phone in our bedroom which to your convenience is situated within arms reach. If we've left the door to our bedroom open, we always know where to find you. Sitting happier than a pig in poop, playing with your new favorite "toy". We've even been witness to Nikki being bowled over in order to get to it. You pick up the phone, fling it onto your shooulder (not up to your ear) and say "HELLO!" Over. and over. and over again. You seem to want to hear someone's voice on the other end, but on the few instances where I've put you on a call with your father from work, you become as quiet as a mouse. It's so cute to see you're reaction. 'Someone's talking to me!' 'Someone's really talking to me!' You love to press the buttons on the phone, which leaves me with some fear that a future phone bill will soon show outbound charges to China! Oh heavens, I hope not.
Another saying you've picked up this month is "Hi Nikki!". Your dad has always had a habit of calling out "Hi Nikki" as soon as we return home from somewhere. To announce our arrival to Nikki who has been left waiting for us. And now you do it too! It never fails. Every time we come in the house, you should "Hi Nikki!" and go off looking for her. You've also really started playing with Nikki this month. You chase her around the house, laughing hysterically all the while. It leaves us in stitches, and we know Nikki loves the attention you give her sweetheart. (Most of the time). ;-)
We took you with us on a little 4 day vacation to a cabin we rented. It was a beautiful timber framed cabin out on the lake near Grand Beach. We had a lot of fun reading, relaxing, sun setting, dancing, hot tubbing, snuggling, sleigh riding, fire building, and you especially loved running all over the cabin. With all the space it had, we found it difficult to keep you confined to one area. It was a long weekend we really enjoyed as a family. Just the 3 of us, without any outside influences like computers or phones to keep our attention away from each other. It was fabulous!
A few new things this month include your ear piercing on January 25th. You did extremely well sweetie, not even feeling one of the piercings (thanks to a little Emla cream), and we've been twisting and turning the days away since then. One of the reasons we felt it important to have your ears done now is so that I would be home to properly look after them for you, cleaning and turning them a few times per day and without much notice from you at all. Mission Accomplished!
You have also learned how to walk backwards this month, how to jump up and down, how to play catch with a ball, and you love to throw yourself into your toy box to reach the toys at the very back of the box. You insist on eating any and all food from our dinner plates, you love to tackle your dad when he's lying on the floor, and thanks to Marjorie you've discovered a new love of Kraft dinner. You also love to play tea party and know how to make pretend sipping noises with your cup. You will also share your cup with me and wait for my sipping sounds. I mentioned to your dad that in a very short time, I see him sitting at your tiny childrens table and chair set, sipping tea with your dollies, as he sits dressed in fine jewels, white gloves, and tiaras. His response? He's looking forward to it. Almost as much as I am.
The theme for your first birthday is Care Bears. We had a birthday party for you on Saturday with daddy's side of the family, and we'll be having another party for you this Saturday with mommy's side. Two parties sure is a lot for such a little girl! But you only turn 1 once, and we thought it might be difficult to fit everyone into our home comfortably in one party. Lucky for you! I picked Care Bears this year for a few reasons. One, they are just so darn cute (especially the older style 80's care bears), and secondly because we just generally love bears around here.
Today is a beautiful day. The sun is shining and it is very warm for February. A perfect day to celebrate your very first birthday. With it being a Wednesday, your dad has taken the day off and we have set our sights on skating on the river at The Forks. (We'll handle the skating part, you can just sit back and enjoy the ride from your sleigh. I mean, what are birthdays for anyway?!) We will also spend some time with Auntie Rihana today, and enjoy a nice chicken dinner which is slowly cooking away in the crock pot at this very moment. Then maybe a little cake and a few presents.
Today is your day. Thank you for the single most amazing 12 months of my life. We are so proud of everything you are and everything you do. One sure looks good on ya baby!
Love,
Your Mama Bear
