You are one today. I dreamt of the moment I would hold you for the first time. I imagined what you would look like and what your interests would be. Truth be told, I was terrified you were going to look like that scary picture I saw your of Dad as a baby – a story we will tell you when you are older and laugh about forever. I daydreamed about how we would spend our days. And I prayed you would know how much you were loved. But the reality is, that moment I held you for the first time was better than I could have ever imagined. You looked absolutely perfect and I swear you are still the cutest kid I have ever seen, well tied with your older brother. You love to play and go on outings, but you most definitely love to be in charge. I still pray you know how much you are loved and I think your smile is your way of telling Mama and Daddy you love us too.

You have grown from a tiny little baby with no hair to a little lady with a peppering of hair – and we still have no idea what color it will really be. You are busy and can hang for hours past your bedtime without a fuss. You are tough and you can also be sensitive at times. Some days you think you are wonder woman and others you are as cautious as they come. You love to play with your friends but you also love to play by yourself – mostly in your drawers and in empty boxes.

I love the way you curl your toes under when trying to stand on your tippy-toes. I love the way you scrunch your nose and make a sniffly noise when you get really excited. I love the way you wake up from your nap set and ready to go. I love your love for music. I love the way you search for your Daddy & Brother every morning. The bond you three have is truly special. I love the way you arch your back when I’m holding you because you want me to throw you in the air. And the giggles that come from your tiny body when your Daddy and I throw you back and forth (don’t worry folks, we keep it safe). I love the way you hold my hand as you walk – even though we both know you got this. I love that you are so much like your Momma and you have never met a strang animal – I hope your love for all things furry continues to grow as you grow.

I love that despite the challenges this year has thrown us at times, you are a pretty go-with-the-flow baby. We wish we could have had your first birthday party, but a world pandemic had to hit in the same month. But you wouldn’t let that hold you back from eating your own cake & donuts in celebration.

You have taught us that some days you just don’t get out of pajamas and that all animals real and stuffed are basically an accessory. You have taught us patience. You have taught us to slow down and to enjoy the simple moments in life. You have taught us to see the world around us differently. You have taught us how to survive on curiosity & veggie straws. You have taught us about what really matters. 

This year has been the best year of our lives. You have brought your Daddy and I more joy than I can even begin to explain. We are so blessed that we were chosen to be your parents and for you to be our daughter.

Happy Birthday, Mackenzie Kate.

We love you more than you will ever know. Always and forever.