One year of Margaux: The Last First Birthday

The last first birthday is a tough one. It's the end of an era. This season is over for me. It's a strange wave of emotion to know I am planning my last first birthday.

Ok, I have experienced this feeling before, arguably.

At one point in time, I was sure that Azalea would be my last baby, but you know what they say… It’s a woman's prerogative to change her mind.

So here I am again, experiencing the whirlwind of emotions that is your last baby turning one all over again.

Ok, I hear you ask ‘What if you change your mind again’…

Well that is very doubtful as my husband recently got the snip. Although I don’t think Azalea quite gets the concept of what that is, as she did say a couple of weeks ago, ‘Well, you never know, they might grow back’…

Honestly, it feels like yesterday I was packing my hospital bag, googling names, and just longing to know what she looked like.

As I have discussed previously, my husband and I tried for a while before we got pregnant, and wow was she worth the wait.

She makes everyone in my family a happier person. The kids absolutely swoon over her.

From the moment they laid eyes on her, they were obsessed. I assumed the obsession would fade, you know how kids are! But no, they hardly give her a minute to herself.

If you are a mum, you will know how the baby's first birthday feels like it's your celebration also. You want everything to be perfect.

But can we talk about the nay-sayers for a moment? Those negative nellies who are quick to point out that babies don’t remember any of the fuss. But who cares? Us mothers do, we only get one motherhood so I say make the most of it.

I thought a nice way to mark this special moment would be to write an open letter to Margaux for when she's older.

Fun Fact: I write a letter to my children every year recapping the year prior and funny little stories to give to them when they're older.

Dear Margaux,

Here’s to a whole year of you, my last first birthday.

Ok, I did choke up a little at that one.

From day dot, you have had us like putty in your hand, your presence is magnetic, and your smiles bring sunshine everywhere you go. You are one crazy little gurl…. Hence, why instead of calling you Margaux Rosalie, we say Margaux Cookalie, because you are so coo-coo.

But you are also the sweetest and snuggliest little soul, and I want to thank you for choosing me to be your mama, and allowing me to experience the baby stage one more time.

Kieffer and Azalea adore you; they worship the ground you walk on. As do your dad and I, and I want to say thank you for all the late-night hugs, the calm, the chaos and for reminding me that there’s beauty in slowing down, in doing things one more time, you have completed our family in ways I didn’t know were needed.

I want you to always remember how special you are, how loved you are, and how needed you were to this family.

And if things ever feel tough, just know you have all of us behind you every step of the way, cheering you on. (You know how in Happy Gilmore 2, Happy has 4 crazy sons backing him up? Well, that’s basically what your Dad, Kieffer, Azalea, and I are for you. We will always be your biggest fans and your fiercest protectors)

I can’t wait to watch you grow up and become your own little person (even though it tugs my heartstrings)

Happy First Birthday to my last little love.

Yours Always

Mama