525,600 minutes.

525,600 moments so dear.

525,600 minutes

How do you measure, measure a year?

In daylights? In sunsets? In midnights? In cups of coffee?

In inches? In miles? In laughter? In Strife?

525,600 Minutes, How do you measure a year in the life?

Measure in Love. Seasons of Love.

Dear Mads –

I couldn’t believe it when I woke up this morning that it has already been a year since we welcomed you into our family. A year ago today you surprised us with your early and fast arrival, bringing us more joy than we could have ever imagined.

I always knew that I wanted to be mother and have multiple children, but what I didn’t know or even begin to understand how my heart could grow the way it has over the past year. You are such a unique little creature and you’ve taught both your Daddy and I to learn to love in different ways.

Since you were born, you’ve been a snuggle baby. You like the closeness of security, and believe me honey, we love that you are that way, although we would really love it if you got the memo and started to sleep more. You have always been a student of people, you love to watch the scene around you unfold before you. You are cautiously apprehensive about new people, but once you warm up you are the most loving little child in the whole world. I can’t tell you how much it delights us when we walk into a room that you come running, with arms up, to greet us. You are simply a joy.

Now that you’re walking and starting to say a few words, its even harder to believe that you’ve only been with us for a year. You are saying Mommy and Daddy and Gigi (your favorite stuffed giraffe), hi and hello and a few other things. You love your Gigi and your Sissy Claire…you light up when she’s around and I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to see you two play together. When we pray at meal times, you clap as if to say the prayer with us. You smile in understanding at what we are doing. It is truly wonderful to see your spirituality develop.

All of these pictures show a little girl who has grown before my eyes. I can hardly believe that you were ever a tiny baby and now that you’re a moving toddler I can hardly remember all the nights where I watched you snooze at my bedside, and cuddled with you in the rocking chair. Yet, I know I will never forget.

I wish you much love on today, your special first birthday, and in many many years to come. I love you my Madeline,

Love,

Mommy