A Letter to Our Second Born, On Her First Birthday
Dearest Kingsley –
Happy birthday, sweet girl. You’re our second. But you’ve given us so many firsts. And somehow, you’ve made motherhood feel brand new all over again.
You’ll never understand (until maybe you’re a mom) how badly I wanted you. Before your big sister celebrated her first birthday, we had set our sights on you. God bless your patient Daddy for every month that passed without news that God was making you.
The quiet time we shared those nine months was something beautiful and terrifying. Your sister didn’t let us rest. The doctors had us worried. And you had me spend many a mornings curled up on the bathroom floor. But despite always measuring “behind” you kicked and punched with something fierce – your warning to the world that you were coming, and you were coming to do big things.
Our first few months together looked different than the motherhood I had known before. It wasn’t just us. We had to balance your big sister’s heart and occasional pangs of jealousy. I cried more than once those first few weeks – envious of your Dad for getting more time with you – while I reassured your sister that our hearts were big enough for you both.
We learned that not all babies sleep through the night within the first four months (ahem, or year). We learned that diaper rash can get so bad you have to forgo wipes and kick it old-school in the sink. We made our first trip to a geneticist, and then a neurosurgeon. We learned that while barely 6 pounds, you were still strong enough to escape the tightest swaddle.
You’re dragged here, there and everywhere. You’re awoken from peaceful dreams for preschool pick-up. You’re forced to occasionally “cry it out” because as veterans we know this won’t kill you. No toy is yours and you’ve been victim to a toddler blow or two. Yet, you keep smiling.
The more time that passes, the more I see you’re as feisty as your big sis. You’re curious. A couple days shy of 1-year-old, and you’ve mastered a beautiful combination of femininity – you’re both delicate and strong.
Your sister’s your best friend.
Your puppy a close second.
Your Daddy, your biggest protector.
And I’m your biggest cheerleader. Now and always.
Memories captured by Brooke Whitney Photography.