One

Dear Hazel,

Has it really already been a year since you arrived? It seems like just yesterday. I know that sounds like a cliche, but it’s true. My sweet girl, you are truly a blessing. How is it possible to have such a sweet and lovely disposition all the time? Someday you need to write a book. You wake up in the morning smiling and offering hugs to everyone. You are always awake before Bea, and I have to be careful not to let you into her room too early, because at the mere sight of her, you screech in delight and quickly crawl to her bed saying, Hi! Hi! Hi! The two of you then cuddle and smile, and it makes my heart burst with joy.

Your serene disposition extends into every aspect of your life. You are happy to eat anything I give you, to play with any toy, to go on any journey. You rarely fuss and you meet every new experience with a smile. Your eyes dance and sparkle. Once, a nun told me that she could see the light of Christ shining from your eyes. It’s true, my sweet girl, and I hope it never goes away.

Your first words were “Hi,” “Sashi,” “Daddy” and “outside” <–which you say with startling clarity. In the past few days, you’ve started saying “sis” for Bea, which makes her so, so happy. You haven’t started walking yet, but you crawl everywhere and stand on your own. Your first steps are just a week or two away, I’m sure.

You never leave your sister’s side: when she cries, you cry. when she laughs, you laugh. You can hold your own with her, though. When she takes a toy, you will protest, and if she gets too close, you’ve been known to pull out a chunk of her hair, too.  Mostly, the two of you are inseparable. Soon, you’ll share a room and I look forward to hearing your sweet conversation drift through the house.

Heading to the bathroom, always.

My sweet Hazel, you’ve made our family so much fuller. I love you so much. We wish you a happy first birthday and hope you are able to successfully smash your cake.  Your sister has very graciously offered to open all of your presents and blow out your candle. She’s always looking out for you like that. I’m sure you won’t mind.

Happy Birthday, our darling girl.

Love,

Mama and Daddy