To the birthday girl

Dear Fiona (a.k.a., Fi, Nona, Booger, Boog, Fiony, Filuna, or Honey),

You are one today.

You are quiet and serious, watching the world and the people as they go.

You are loud and silly, sharing your thoughts and giggles with those closest to you.

You are sweet with your slobbery kisses and gentle head butts.

You are all in once you make up your mind.

You are delighted by nature: the feel of leaves, the sound of birds, the taste of snow.

You are determined to figure things out for yourself, just like your mama.

You are an early bird and chipper in the morning, just like your dada.

You are curious and observant. Hang on to those qualities, both will serve you well.

You are a force to be reckoned with, leaving joy and sippy cup lids wherever you go.

I gave this poem to your dad on our first anniversary. I think it is fitting for you on your first birthday.

            Take a lump of clay,

            wet it, pat it,

            make a statue of you

            and a statue of me

            then shatter them, clatter them,

            add some water

            and break them and mold them

            into a statue of you

            and a statue of me.

            Then in mine, there are bits of you

            and in you there are bits of me.

            Nothing ever shall keep us apart.

                              - Kuan Tao-Sheng

You have changed our lives forever. And I will be forever grateful. I can't wait to see what the years bring. 

Love, Mama