Dear Maren

Dear Maren:

Today, you are one year old.  One year ago, I was recovering from your birth, running to the NICU to nurse your brother and trying to wrap my head around the fact that I now had 3 children.

When they first brought you to me, I noticed your dark hair, which we thought was curly, but, in fact, was just wet.  I was relieved to hear you were over 2500 grams and could stay with us.  I anxiously kissed your wrinkled forehead, glad to have you on the outside.  I urged your Dad to place you on his chest in recovery, after I'd nursed you for the first time.  I remember holding you to my chest, listening to you breathe, and watching you under the lights of your phototherapy bed. We thought you looked like my Dad, your late Papa George.  We kept commenting on how much of the Salib genes you'd gotten.

Once home, you became our oasis.  You would patiently wait to be fed, or changed, and loved to be held.  You thrived in a sling, and have spent many an hour being held.  You also loved to sleep next to me in bed.  From the time you were just a few weeks old, you would snuggle into my arm in the early hours of the morning.  You were a joy to nurse, and still are to this day, although I fear that part of your life is coming to and end.

And now, at one year old, you love to read books, and play peek-a-boo.  You love to eat, and have a special fondness for fruit, especially blueberries!  And, you love your big sister fiercely.  You light up when she comes into the room, and she adored you too.  

You are wise, and beautiful and I love you with all my heart.  I love your giggles, and squeals and can't wait to see the woman you will become.  I love you, sweet Maren.