While ringing in the New Year with our extended family of friends, I couldn’t help but think of my beautiful baby girl at home sleeping. She does not yet have the capability to understand why we celebrate the passing of the year and the arrival of a new one. She does not recognize that she has given us reason to commemorate.
How could she possibly know it was her smiles and giggles that have made our year one to remember? That while she was filled with pride from finally figuring out that she can get onto that chair by herself, we were sitting close by stunned by our daughters strength.
Do you think she realizes that even though our year was filled with the terror that is teething, we couldn’t be prouder of that infectious half formed smile?
I wonder if she can feel the purpose she has given us when she points and tells us what she sees. That silly kitty in the book never meant so much to me.
Of this I am sure, to her there is no wrong in the world. The only evils she has seen are those of time-outs and the tantrums in between. But even these can be easily remedied with a great big hug and an “It’s ok, you will see”.
You see, 2008 will always be remembered as the year our precious baby blossomed into this wonderful person that we get to spend the rest of our lives with. We have learned that, though she is small, her love and strength is great. She has discovered that, with a little time and her parents’ guidance, she can overcome her greatest obstacles.
So to you little one, I give thanks. For all the little joys you have given us. We are forever grateful to watch you learn and grow. Because, in all your accomplishments we delight, we know that we are doing something right.
We know that with the passing years, our love for this child will only grow. That every New Year I will reflect on what she has learned and taught us as well. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to celebrate.
