Dear Oliver,
Today marks your first birthday! It feels like just yesterday we welcomed you into our lives. You have filled our days with an immeasurable amount of joy, laughter, and smiles. From the moment you arrived, you seamlessly became a part of our lively family. Although this past year has passed in the blink of an eye, I have consciously cherished every single moment with you.
As I reflect on the advice I received to “enjoy every moment” with your siblings, I can now understand the sentiment that once frustrated me. In the midst of tantrums and sleepless nights, it felt impossible to grasp how time could possibly “fly by.” Yet, here we are – seven years into parenthood and it feels surreal how quickly it has gone.
The night you were born, as I gazed at your tiny face, I finally understood the wisdom shared by others. I realized that the small details of your infancy would soon change, often when I least expect it. While I knew sleepless nights would eventually come to an end, I also recognized that the precious feeling of having a small newborn snuggled against my chest would fade away too. Thus, I made a promise to both you and myself to truly savor every fleeting moment of your babyhood.
Despite my best efforts, time does not slow down. And that realization has been both daunting and bittersweet. You are my last baby, and I wish time could just take a pause. Each new milestone brings excitement, yet signals the farewell to a chapter in your life—and in mine.
Over the past few weeks, I must admit that preparing for today hasn’t been solely filled with joy. The anticipation of celebrating your first birthday has been special, but I’ve also experienced moments of sadness. Folding your tiny clothes and telling your dad, “I can’t believe next month we’ll have no more babies,” has weighed heavily on my heart. It feels selfish to feel this way during such a joyous occasion, but I’m not quite ready to let go of this stage of life, realizing that our youngest is turning one and we are moving away from the days of newborns and counting ages by months.
But then I realized: you will always be my baby—just as your siblings will. Parenting doesn’t cease after the first year. I will say goodbye to many cherished moments, yet I will continue to be your parent for the rest of my life. Your needs will evolve as you grow, but in my heart, you will always hold that special place.
Your dad often jokes about how much care we provide to your siblings, who still need us in many ways. There have been countless nights that they required my attention more than you did. We often remarked how you were the easiest of the bunch. Though I will miss holding you close, my love for you will remain unwavering, regardless of how much you grow. As the youngest of four, I can already envision the familiar refrain of “Oh, Mom!” as I affectionately remind you that you are the baby of the family.
Today, we celebrate you, Oliver. You are growing, learning, and your joy is infectious. You possess a natural ability to make everyone laugh, especially your siblings. Your love for hugs and the way your eyes light up upon seeing us fills our hearts with warmth.
Happy birthday, my sweet boy. Remember this: you may not always hold my hand by grasping my finger, and those adorable dimples on your hand will one day fade, but you will forever be my baby.
You may outgrow sitting at my feet while I prepare dinner, looking up at me with those big, innocent eyes, but you will always be my baby.
You may not need me every single day as you do now, but I will always be here for you when you do, because you will always be my baby.
I will miss the unique scent of your head after a bath as you cuddle in my lap for story time. Yet, I will be in awe as I watch you read a book on your own for the very first time.
I will miss the adorable way you crawl around the house, but I will cheer you on as you take your first steps, learn to run, and eventually drive yourself.
I will miss carrying you around and waving at our reflections, but know that no matter where life takes you, I will always have your back.
You will never again be that 7-pound, 15-ounce bundle that entered our lives last January. Despite my attempts to freeze time over the past year, the moment has arrived to embark on the next chapter of raising four wonderful children. Your needs may change, but you will always be my baby.
With all my love,
Mom