Thursday 1 November 2012

Dear Tom - What you have taught ME

As Mr.T turns one this Sunday, I’ve been reflecting on all the things I’ve learnt this year. What a huge learning curve it has been.

Dear Tom,
Happy 1st birthday my beautiful baby boy. So much you have learnt this year which I have outlined to you in your birthday letter, but I've learnt so much from you too! Yes, even at 1 you were teaching me. Here is what I have learnt:

The Art of changing a nappy: Never had I changed a nappy in my life before you came along. Now I can change one with one hand behind my back, blindfolded and wrestling with kicking legs and waving arms in my face.

Patience: I am an incredibly impatient person. I cannot sit still for very long spaces of time and I hate when other people are late, or don’t do things at the same speed I do. You have taught me that you may take hours to fall asleep, breastfeed or eat. Resistance is futile. So I try to accept and enjoy the moments – and not think about all the things I COULD be doing.

Unconditional Love: Cliche I know...but you really never know how you can possibly feel so much for a little being until you have one of your own to cherish and hold. I don’t think you can ever really know the true meaning of the word until that day comes. Loving you, no matter what.

I can live without sleep: I used to think there was no way I would survive for long stretches of time without 8 hours of sleep, at least. A big weekend on the town would have me catching up during the day with sleep-ins, afternoon naps and laying on the couch. I now know the real meaning of sleep deprivation, and while it’s a struggle, I can function in the real world with minimum amounts of shut-eye.

Your Dad is beyond amazing: I always knew he was amazing, but from the moment you were born he became the rock of our family. Staying strong through my sleep deprivation above and always being there to support and love us, through the best days and the worst.

That babies don’t break: I always felt like babies were flimsy rag-doll kittens and any slightest move would have their neck all in a twist and them being unable to breathe. While it helped that you were a big sturdy, 9 pound 4 baby and could pretty much hold head up at birth – it was nice to learn that I didn’t need to always treat you like porcelain.

That this is what I want to be: Your mum, forever and always.


Linked to FYBF at With Some Grace






15 comments:

  1. Your boy is adorable, Angela! That first year, with all its sleep deprivation and adjusting, is still so precious, and it goes by so very fast. Happy Birthday to your gorgeous little boy!

    Dropped by from FYBF. Have a fabulous weekend!

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    1. Thank you! We have had a great weekend. One very happy (and exhausted) one year old is asleep :-) Thanks for stopping by. Will pop by and check out your Blog too.

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  2. Oh, this is a beautiful post. Happy birthday little Thomas. Thomas William is the name we always had picked out for a boy - but we have 3 girls!!

    I found you at With Some Grace.

    xx

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    1. Thanks Francesca! Thomas is my husband's grandad's name who is no longer with us, so that name is pretty special for our family. Hmmm, maybe fourth time lucky for you? ;-)

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  3. Another tear jerking post. lol. I don't know if it's because I know you all, the beautiful way you write, or the fact that I relate to so much of what you say and feel. What a lovely recognition of the power of one (or one year old). Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow and helping to celebrate such a big milestone. C. xx

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    1. lol oh dear. I need to write something humerous on the blog soon!

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  4. awww how precious! they grow up too quick. My baby girl is 9 mths already and i can hardly believe it. I wrote a post thats lying in my drafts atm about what she has taught me about life too (but in more of a funny spoof-y angle). And you're right, babies don't break and I am so thankful for that because I have had 2 heartbreaking accidents where bub ended on the floor! But she's happy and healthy so thank God

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    1. I've had one where he ended up on the floor. Definitely a scary moment!

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  5. Happy Birthday Tom. You have one special mother there. Keep teaching her more things as you grow.

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    1. Thanks Salz! I'm sure he will be telling me in no time what to do hehe

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  6. Happy Birthday to your little Man. I am sitting here nodding my head at every one of these things as I feel the same way with Mia who will be one in a few weeks too!

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    1. Awww Mia, what a pretty name :-) Happy birthday to your little girl! Comes around so fast x

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  7. Oh, Tom is a cutie patootie! Happy Birthday, little one!
    Here's to many more years of parenting lessons :) x

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    1. Thanks Grace! I'm sure there'll be plenty more to come! ;-)

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  8. Such a cutie! Happy birthday Tom!

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