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