Violet Mary, one year old

Our dearest Violet Mary,
You are one today and that means we've had a year (already!) of getting to enjoy you.  That's what we've really done all year, just enjoy you.

You are what many people have literally called "a good baby," and by that everyone means pleasant.  You're mostly just happy and easy going.  Sure you chat up a storm in church when you're supposed to be quiet, you spill the dog's food and water dishes every.single.chance.you.get, and you steal everyone's toys - but you do it all so pleasantly that it's hard to say you're anything but a 'good baby.'  You're just nice to have around, already at only a year old, you're just good company.

And you're growing up quickly little babe, I guess that comes with the territory of having two older siblings.  You try to talk so much with astounding inflection that we can practically understand your babbling for real words.  You use sign language, pointing, and sometimes instead you'll just go ahead and do or get whatever you want for yourself!  Your siblings delight when they recognize that you've learned something new - celebrating with huge smiles and clapping, "Mum!  Violet signed thank you!,' 'Mum, she made a cat noise when I said Lulu!" There has not been a tiny milestone that has gone uncelebrated in your first year.  For that you'll either be fantastically confident or incredibly spoiled, but it is what it is I suppose.

But it doesn't just go that one way - us always celebrating you, because you, our sweet baby child, somehow also find your own little way to make us feel like shining stars.  The hugs you bestow, where you snuggle-in like you've been professionally trained to hold on for as long and as tightly in the exact amount that the receiver needs to feel uplifted.  Or the way you give us that scrunch-nosed smile that has some sort of smile contagion infused.  Violet Mary, you have the power within you to make people feel like a million bucks, my girl.

I think most of all, Violet girl, I want you to know that you somehow make our family, more of our family.  I don't know how to say it the way that it feels, but because you are here, we are more US.  You bring out something in each of us, and in the collective us that makes everything feel more natural and comfortable.

We are so blessed that you are in this life with us.  You are a joy. 

Happy first birthday, Violet Mary Studer.

I love you forever and ever.

even when you get so big.

mum