DadaMama: To Superbaby On His First Birthday

Dear Superbaby,

Last Friday, you turned one year old. There are a lot of things I want to say to you, about how you've changed things, about how grateful I am to have you, and about what an amazing and welcome surprise you've been to us all. Daddy and I had been going around in circles about whether or not our family was complete, and had only decided that we were undecided--which is when I found out I was pregnant with you.

It's funny, somehow I always knew you were on your way. Maybe it was foolish hope, maybe it was intuition: all I know is that when I looked at my family, it felt like someone was missing. Not something--someone. You.

Now, at the dinner table, or on a family outing, I look at all my boys and know that everyone is with us.

You are such a happy, contented little person. You spend your days walking from room to room, mostly following your brothers around to see what you can get into. We own plenty of baby toys, but you'd rather have Legos and pencils. Tiny, sharp and pointy = awesome, as far as you're concerned. You're a climber, too.

You love to unpack things. My purse is your favorite, but you'll settle for a kitchen cabinet. You recently learned to point, and spend a lot of time following me around and grunting like a caveman. I had forgotten how insistent and communicative a person without speech can be. It's difficult to reason with a baby who has spent an entire day pointing at the cupcakes on the counter and still hasn't gotten one.

What else can I say? You're a delight to know. Wherever we take you, whatever we do together, you give off this wonderful, joyful vibe. You're just happy to be included; to come along for the ride. You smile at everyone, and reach out to anyone who smiles at you. You are always ready to laugh.

As far as you're concerned, you're already five years old. You're pretty sure you could ride a scooter, given the chance, and your brothers never make it outside to play unnoticed by you. If they're digging a hole, then by God, so are you. Bikes? Swimming? Lollipops? Sign you up! I think as you all get older, they're going to find that this makes them insane, but right now? Your older brothers adore you and take special care to include you.

It makes me immeasurably happy to see the three of you together, and I hope that your relationships continue to be amazing. Superbaby, I'm so glad we have you. I can't wait to see who you turn out to be. Happy Birthday, Little One.