Friday, February 20, 2009

2.20.09

Dear Harper,

Happy birthday! I can’t believe you’ve been in this world a whole year. I’ve been thinking for a while about what I wanted to tell you on your birthday. Really, I don’t know where to start. I guess, when you’re older, you can read back through my blog posts to see what you’ve been up to. You’re the reason I started this blog, by the way. I wanted to have a record of your daily life and I just can’t be trusted to write in your baby book. I also wanted you to have a record of what I was thinking and doing during this time (they don’t have blanks for that kind of stuff in the baby book). Hopefully, this blog will give you some insight into who I am. At the very least, it will give you something concrete to show your therapist – because you’ll probably need one after your dad and I totally screw you up. Don’t worry, you’ll screw your kids up too. It comes with the territory.


Anyway…Today, and every day for that matter, I want you to know how much I love you. You are perfect in every way. I remember in the first couple days after you were born, looking at you and thinking that there was no way that your dad and I could have ever made anything as wonderful as you. If you didn’t look so much like your dad, I would think that we came home from the hospital with the wrong kid because you are so much sweeter and good natured than either one of us. You make people genuinely happy just by looking at them. Old men in restaurants give you money because you smile at them. I hope that you always have such a friendly and trusting disposition. The world could use more people like you.


You’ve come a long way in the last 12 months. I am so excited to see what the future holds for you. I know that all parents think their kids are destined to do great things, but I really think it’s true in your case (no pressure or anything). You are the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I love you with all my heart. The 9 months of constant puking was totally worth it. Happy birthday, deeto.

Love you,
Mama (you know, the word you refuse to say)


10 comments:

puddlegirl said...

Happy Birthday Harper! We love you and think you are sooooo cute!

Katie said...

the best kid. Ever. period. She is so lucky to have you as her mamma!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Harper and congrats Elaine and Rob for your first year of parenthood!

Reverb said...

Happy Birthday Harper! Here's a photo for your mommy and daddy:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/detzelpretzel/3295459722/sizes/l/

It's sized as an 8x10 should you choose to print it.

j steg said...

I cried when I read this. I'm not sure why. I had to shut my office door to hide.

lauriecooper said...

Harper is happy and sweet because she is loved and secure - that's you and Rob, Elaine - make no mistake. You're doing great things with her. I'm blessed to know all three of you.

And btw, the best kid ever (imo) just said your kid was the best kid ever - they are in an elite class. Uh oh - maybe a tear coming - can't close my door - need to sign off.

Erin Hull said...

I must be super hormotional because that just made me tear up.


-Erin

Amy said...

What a sweet tribute to Harper! It will do her heart good to be able to go back when she is older to see what her Mom was feeling and thinking at this time! Very sweet.

Virgie said...

Elaine - Aww... so, so sweet - has me tearing up too! Harper is so beautiful and sweet just like her parents! ;) Love the story and your transparency.

melanie said...

OH, Happy Birthday and a great big pat on the back to the parents for making it through the first year on top.