I should really be placing you in your crib now. There are chores waiting — laundry to fold and a sink full of dirty dishes. Yet, here you are, nestled under my chin in that perfect spot made just for you, and I can’t bear to part with your warmth just yet.
At just 13 months old, you’ve become quite the busy little explorer. Gone are the days of long snuggles; if your eyes are open, you’re off, joyfully crawling after your older brother and sister. Naptime is no longer an occasion for rocking you to sleep or singing lullabies. Even when you’re exhausted, you wriggle away the moment I sit down.
While I treasure these fleeting cuddles, my heart swells watching you embrace the world around you. Each morning, as I lift you from your crib, you’re ready to crawl into adventure. You’re always on the move, investigating everything in your path, your face lighting up with a radiant smile as you share your joy with us.
Sweet girl, we knew you were a blessing to our family, a vibrant rainbow after a stormy period. The nine months waiting for your arrival were some of the toughest days we faced. I remember waking up to a frightening sight—so much blood—believing we were losing you. But against all odds, you were okay. Those months were filled with anxiety, a weight that only began to lift when we finally held you in our arms.
We sensed our family was incomplete, yet we could never have imagined the profound way you would fill that void. We longed for you, prayed for you, but we underestimated just how essential you would become to our lives. It wasn’t merely your presence we craved, but your vibrant spirit and heart. The way you connect with strangers, coaxing smiles from even the most serious faces, is truly remarkable. Your excitement is contagious, as you kick your legs with joy when lifted, eager for every new experience. Your captivating blue eyes and infectious grin have already drawn in countless admirers.
Having a rainbow baby is a bittersweet journey. The loss of a child before your arrival was the hardest ordeal our family has endured, and I often wish I could have known that child. But would we have met you if things had been different? Would we have come to know your chubby hands and that adorable gap-toothed smile? It’s a thought that brings with it a swirl of emotions.
So, I’ll sit here just a little longer, inhaling the sweet scent of your baby shampoo mixed with the peanut butter you savor. You’re not asleep yet, but content to sway in my arms, your lashes fluttering as you whisper “Bye-bye. Bye-bye.” We just walked through the quiet house to show you that your siblings are already asleep, reassuring you that it’s okay for you to do the same. Now, as we rock together, your soft whispers serve as your gentle way of bidding the world goodnight.
Goodnight, my precious girl. Sleep soundly, for tomorrow, we’ll seize the day together once more.