I hold you close to me and I wonder…will I be your best friend, the one you tell your secrets to? Your protector, the safest place you know? Will we be like my friend and their children? My mother and me?

This I do know: I believe in you, support you, watch over you, love you. I'll hang on your words and smile at your stories.

And day-by-day, month-by-month, well learn who we are together, you and i.

When I am singing you a lullaby, rocking you to sleep, or watching your tiny hand wrap around my finger, i’m always thinking, “i’m so glad you’re here, little one, i’m so glad you’re mine.”

you hold your head up to look at me, you coo softly at the sound of my voice, and when you smile at me, its like the sun is suddenly brighter.

One minute you’re blinking sleepily up at me, and the next, your sound asleep. I try to imagine what baby dreams are made of. I know mine are filled of you.

You gaze up and reach out as if you can pull the world towards you. And I lean in close, wanting to give you everything you’ll ever need.

That joyful giggle, your happy babble, those squeals of delight… your laughter is the sweetest sound a home can know.

I’m not the only one who can’t resist your shy grin. From your safe spot on my shoulder, your making friends with a big new world.

The way you smile when I walk into the room, the way your stretch out your little arms to be lifted up, the way your so sure of me, sure that ill be there for you, that ill take care of you. This bond is stronger, more loving than I could have ever expected.

Amazing- what you’ve learned, taking in the world, with your bright eyes, feeling and tasting everything you can hold in your tiny hands…amazing- how you’ve captured my heart.

Who knew a sunbeam could be so enchanting? That a game of peek-a-boo could make you laugh every time? Who knew simple baby songs were so wonderfully silly- or that bananas make the best fingerpaints? Who knew that one little person could take my hand and show me the whole world over again?

Mama. Such a little word, but when you say it my heart just melts.

Blowing bubbles, singing songs, playing in the bathtub, reading stories. The times we spend together are the best times of all.

You wiggle out of my arms to explore the world, and then return again and again, and I realize that being a mother means sometimes letting you go, and being a loving place to come home to.

Happy birthday you are 11 months old…. You make me laugh like nobody else can, make me smile first think in the morning and the last thing at night, you make my eyes shine with tears of pride, just seeing you get bigger, just being your mom!!

What do I wish for you my child?? Carefree days of bug discovering and puddle jumping, delight in sunny afternoons, belly laughs, goodnight stories, wishing stars. What do I wish for you? A heart that loves beauty, shares goodness, that embraces the joy in the gift of each day, and love, so much love!!

:d