Dear Erin Faith,

Yesterday was your first birthday. It may not seem like a big deal to you, but it’s a VERY big deal to me. Even today, 366 days after you were born, it seems like only yesterday I was standing over you in the nursery of Valley Hospital as the nurses weighed you for the first time, measured your length, took your first footprints and pricked your little foot for your first blood test. It hurt me so much to see you go through so many intense things only seconds after your birth. You were VERY upset… but you recovered quickly and before I knew it your four grandparents were at the hospital to welcome you into this world. The six of us stood over you and counted your 10 fingers and 10 toes and spoke softly to you. I changed almost all of your diapers while we were in the hospital. I’ve changed lots of your diapers since then, but your mama has, admittadly, changed A LOT more than I have.

When we came home from the hospital, it was like a dream. How in the world was it legal to send two kids in their 20’s home with a newborn baby?? How could it be that just because we were your natural parents, the whole world had faith in us to know how to take care of you? It was a surreal feeling for sure. The thousands and thousands of things that a little baby like you is susceptible to – sickness, danger, accidents… Luckily, your mama – as I’m sure you know by now – is a natural mother and knew just how to nurture you and care for you. I’m coming along myself, but it is not nearly as natural of a gift as your mama has. The first few nights, we both cried tears of joy and thankfulness for your safe arrival and at the overwhelming gift that you are. We have never seen you as anything other than a GIFT. And, as any gift as special as you, we treasure and love you more than you will ever know.

As cliche as it is, this year really has gone by so fast. You’ve had so many amazing feats of development in this first year that have excited us beyond belief. You held your head up on your own, almost from day 1. But when you started to roll over by yourself it was very exciting. You did that for a long time, rolling this way and that. Then you started to pull yourself up to your knees. That was pretty amazing and a little scary how quickly that developed into standing, crawling, cruising and now WALKING. Yes, you are walking before your first birthday. It’s not too pretty, but we’re pretty sure it qualifies. You can clap, wave goodbye, make funny faces and sounds with your lips, give “high-fives”, shake your head “no” when you touch something you know you shouldn’t, say mama, dada, this, that and bath.

Erin, you had a very fun birthday. You’ve already had three parties and are going down the shore for yet another in a few days. The party we had for you on your actual birthday was a picnic outside at VanSaun park. We some of your friends from NYC out to celebrate with you. We had fruit, pizza and a special homemade birthday cake made into the shape of a ladybug. Your mama wanted your theme to be ladybugs because you love your ladybug book so much. It was all very cute and well done. Your mama really knows how to throw a party. We even rode the train that travels through the Bergen County Zoo.

Erin, beyond all these other fun facts, what I really want you to know is that I love you. I love you so much. Your existence has redefined life for me. Redefined my world and my opinions on life, love and family.

I love you Erin Faith and I always will. Happy first birthday baby.