A Year Old…

so i’ve been thinking so much about this time last year, i had a tiny week old baby and my job was to be as close to her as possible, feed her and help her to feel secure and happy on the outside. i would talk to her jokingly, when she was still in the womb, and tell her to stay in as long as she wants because navigating through life on the outside can be a challenge. i couldn’t be happier with how she’s grown, how social she is and how comfortable and confident she is in her own skin and in a variety of environments. the sweetest thing as of late are the kisses. she doles them out ever so generously. she blows kisses using her pointer finger, she’s smooth. she’s starting to pick up on nonverbal communication. at first it was pointing, but now she shakes her head “no” both in and out of context and she’s been practicing shrugging her shoulders and dramatically throwing the palm of her hand to her face. i’ve learned so much about her and i’m honored and grateful to raise her. i’ve been thinking a lot about my mother, now that i know how much work goes into raising a young child and i’m grateful to her for all she’s done for me and all she continues to do. she’s cared for this wee one every single day since i returned to work and what an amazing support she’s been. there are some family practices i let go of and some i hold on to. ear piercing as a baby is one we decided to hold on to. grandma caring for grandchild is another. i have wonderful memories of the time i spent with my grandmother and i’m excited to hear stories about what she remembers from my mom.