Today we will celebrate Barrett’s first birthday… a landmark that, while special for a child, is really much more about the fact that we, as parents, made it through the year and lived to tell about it. I haven’t had time to truly collect all my thoughts as I reflect back on the most pivotal year of my life to date but I know this much to be true, Barrett Brehm has become the apple of my eye and I am certain that he is going to be a difference maker all throughout his life.
Honestly, for me, the first year was hard. It was a practice in patience and perseverance at points but I suppose, even I can admit that the positives vastly outweighed the negatives. It’s an adjustment becoming a parent and I think it’s okay to say that. The reason I think it’s okay is because underlying the honest and raw moments is a deep, unique love that no one could have ever prepared me for.
Called the “miracle baby” in the first 24 hours, Barrett was a fighter from the start. A 4 lb 9 oz baby that evaded the NICU and was released just one day later than the regular postpartum stay, Barrett has been mentally tough from the very beginning. He has not only made us know that we love him, but we love each other even more knowing that we could create someone that we believe to be the bee’s knees.
Although we gave Barrett the gift of life, he has already repaid us just by being Barrett. Barrett has a contagious joy about him and an infectious smile. He has a laugh that is absolutely inspiring and a kind soul. I know, that sounds like a lot for a one year old, but if anyone can do it, it is this mother’s belief that Barrett can.
A year of milestones has come and gone and like all the months before, Barrett is trying his hand at a whole host of new activities. Although we were warned that he may be an early walker, Barrett is still cruisin’ {I had to look this up… I’m so not into this lingo} around furniture and such but generally uses all fours to get around and about. He loves music, milk, clapping, high fiving, baths, girls {yep. not kidding}, his own sort of dancing, talking jibberish and eating. He does not like the carseat or being told “no”. He has definitely developed his own opinions on what he prefers and as I am assuming is a normal one year old behavior, he likes to be in charge.
Today, we will eat cake and celebrate a very precious year with people very dear to us. I only hope that we can give Barrett a lifetime of Happy birthdays and that his life will be as enriched having us as parents as ours is having him as our child. Happy Birthday, Barrett. You’re a star.
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