Beth Smith Photography

“While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.”

Dear Camryn,

Today you are 12 months old.

I thought that I would have more time to write you this letter, but this year snuck up on me and before I knew it, it was last night (February 1st).  What happened to the deal we made?  I asked you to slow down.  Stay my baby forever.  We’re definitely going to have words about this later, but for now we’ll celebrate that you survived your first year.  Congratulations.  Between your brother and the dog, you’ve become quite indestructible.  Today, I asked your brother what he thought of you, and he only had one sentiment…”Cami’s tough!”  No truer words have ever been spoken.

I credit your brother for making me a mother, and you for showing me that being a mother isn’t just a symbol, a badge that you wear on your sleeve, or spit-up down the back of your shirt.  It’s the emotional roller coaster that causes laughter and screaming all in the same minute.  It’s someone who needs you, just as much as you need me.

Cami, the world has more color in it because you are looking at it, music is a bit louder because your are dancing to it.  I never knew how funny a noise could be until you laughed at it, or how much my heart would swell when you  point at me and say “mama.”  For the majority of my life, I thought I had religion, but never has there been a more reverent moment in my life than walking into your room late at night to watch you breathe, to hear your breath in the air.  Since there is a God, you’re certainly proof that he exists.

Happy 1st Birthday, sweet baby girl…

All the Love in the Universe,

Mama

P.S.  You’re going to need a few more teeth this next year…might want to think about that.