My Dearest Belle,
Happy birthday, my love! Wow! You are ONE year old~!!! ONE WHOLE YEAR!
One whole year of giggles and laughter
One whole year of new skills, words, signing, etc.
One whole year of hugs and cuddles
One whole year of wonder and amazement
One whole year of diaper changes
One whole year of washing (seemingly endless) bottles
One whole year of you.
This past month, you have MASTERED walking. Okay… I admit: you still kind of have that waddle… but it’s so cute! You’re also so much more expressive - you’ve learned to couple signing “more” with pointing so that we know better what you’re asking for. You always seem so alert and curious - it’s like you’re ready to soak in and learn more and more each day.
We have your 돌잔치 planned for next Saturday, and the weather's supposed to be a bit rainy. With COVID, and the outfits I have planned for you, I'm not sure if it'll work with the rain, but what I DO know is that it's going to be a FUN day! Papa and I have been waiting for this day forever! Ever since we started trying for a baby, this was a milestone that we have been wanting to celebrate with family and friends, and we can’t believe it’s almost here!!!
We’re beyond ecstatic that we’re already here! The past year has truly FLOWN by.
On a sadder note, at the end of the month, we will be moving you from your current caregivers to an actual daycare center. Papa and I always wanted you to have more social interactions with other children and adults - it’s often difficult to watch you have so much trouble interacting with other people (you seem to take “stranger danger” to a whole other level). I’m so bummed that you will no longer have the undivided attention of “아미" and "하비" with their amazing love and delicious food, but I know that in the long run, this is a better move for your growth and development.
The center we found was highly recommended by a friend of mine who sent her son there years ago. Papa and I went for a tour, and it’s homely with a Director who makes Korean food from some of the vegetables grown by the kiddos and herself in the garden out back. After the tour, we felt good about enrolling you there, so we committed to the space, and the decision was made.
There’s a lot to look forward to in the next few days, but we’re also looking forward to all the other milestones you’re going to hit in the years to come!!!
Love always,
Mama