This blog is Ode to Isabella Selene.
Bella, I know you will not read this until much later, and I know you probably won't understand it until you have a child of your own, but my heart is so full that I must write what I feel or I fear I will never get to tell you all that I know and love about you in your first year of life.
When I first met you I marveled at everything you did...every look, expression, movement of your tiny fingers. I took note that you were both very strong and very observant and often had an expression of "awe" upon your darling face and made a very distinct "O" with your little lips. At first I thought it was just me who marveled at your beautiful blue eyes and your adorable features but I soon ventured into the world with you nestled in my arms, my constant companion, and I learned I was not alone in my admiration. Everywhere I go people want to stop and look at you, talk to you, even offer to take you home! I thought having a baby was going to be this thing that was always so much harder than it looked but though there are hard moments I must say you make everything more fun...even going to the grocery store is enjoyable when you are with me!
Your Daddy and I have taken you many places! To the beach twice already, to the park often, to the aquarium which you liked I think, to the doctor for shots :(, to restaurants and parties and even to the movies a couple of times! You have been to beautiful weddings and seen stunning sunrises. You have swam in pools and swung in a swing. We love taking you places and watching your big blue eyes light up with excitement!
You are so smart and sweet and incredibly social and I love the way you bring joy to whoever we happen to be around. I don't understand how one little baby could bring so many people joy but you do...you are such a joy, dearest Bella, and I could not be more proud of you. I love your laugh, I love your pout, I love how you play peek-a-boo with me and Daddy with your favorite blanket. I love that you stand at our screen door and delight in "quacking" a the cat because animals are your favorite thing! I love how when you reach for someone it makes their face light up. I love that you are a part of our friends just as much as we are and that you are fun to bring to parties, get togethers and that even at a funeral you can make people smile.
Some things about you right now: you love yogurt, blueberries, ice cream, phones, shoes, animals, babies, riding your pink horse, putting things in water glasses, crawling under and over things. You hate: sand on your feet, the feeling of grass, squash, being ignored, having your diaper changed, being held back from what you want!! You love going to the nursery at church while I work and bouncing in the little bouncy chair. You say the words "Mama" "Dada" "ba(ll)" "uh-oh" and "WOW." You are not walking really yet but you have attempted it twice already!
This year our birthday falls on a VERY busy week. There are other birthdays, graduations, parties, events, and Mother's Day this week...oh, and we are trying to buy a house for you to have to grow up in and have a yard to play in but somehow all of that seems less important than your birthday. This is a celebration of your first year of life, and no matter how hectic things get, I will focus on you for the day and I will show you as much love as humanly possible and take pictures, and even though you won't remember it, I will, and your birthday will not be forgotten...because you are an unforgettable person and that is worth celebrating!
I love you, Isabella Selene, my precious daughter...you have my heart!
Love your Mommy
