September 21, 2016
My dearest Nora Mae,
Today is the day! You are officially ONE year old as of 7:46am! This past year has been the most amazing experience of my life. Truly. When your brother was born, I wrote him a letter every month and then again on his birthday. This past year (and even now), I found myself so captured in the presence of you and Elliot, that throughout the year I wrote down little things here and there and today I have put it all together for you for your first birthday letter.
You have heard many times throughout your first year that you are my love and my joy. And you have heard me say the same thing to your big brother. It’s true. When Elliot was born, we were told we would never have another child. You were an unexpected miracle and on the day you were born I felt this overwhelming feeling of completeness. I never knew my heart was missing anything until you came along and filled the void.
It amazes me how much I learn from you. You have taught me how to slow down and to just take life in. Everything can wait. It can. As a mother, it’s always interesting to see what it is your children react to. What is it that they enjoy? What captures their attention? For you, it is trees. That simple. Trees. When you are able to look outside or be outside, you stare in awe at the trees. I first heard you giggle while we were standing outside just doing something simple, looking up. And in that moment, you taught me that in life it is important to look up. Look up for the positive side, but also look up to God and know that He is in control.
When I found out I was pregnant with you, I knew you were a girl. I just had this feeling that I was going to have a daughter. When I found out that I was in fact having a little girl, my heart was exploding. Your brother was in the room with us for the appointment and my goodness was he excited. He was very involved in my pregnancy with you and even now he is incredibly over protective of you. I wanted to make sure that I gave you a strong name.
You are named after my Nana, Eleanor. Eleanor was a big part of my life and I have strong memories of her even now. I chose the middle name Mae for you after Doris Mae. Doris Mae was Daddy’s grandmother. This is a woman who was ALWAYS nice to me. ALWAYS kind to me and was the first person to welcome me into the family. When I was going through infertility, Nan gave me her rocker. She told me that if I sat in the rocker and prayed, that eventually, God would give us a baby. She had tremendous faith in the Lord. As we were setting up your bedroom, I would sit in that rocker and rub my belly and pray for you and women suffering through infertility. Even now, a year later (and probably for the rest of my life), I remember the feeling I had when I first nursed and rocked you to sleep in that rocker. To some people, it’s just a chair. But to me, it’s something far more special.
When it came to choosing your Godparents, I made an interesting choice. I chose my big brother, Chuck (whom you call Uncle Trouble) and your Auntie Jonelle. Auntie Jonelle and Uncle Chuck used to be married and are best of friends. Despite his nickname, Uncle Trouble is a good guy. He’s funny and he’s tough. My Godfather has always been loving and over-protective and that’s exactly what I wanted for my baby girl. Your Auntie Jonelle is a tough cookie, too. She is the perfect female role model for you. She’s smart and she knows the value of a good education and the power of a strong relationship with the Lord. There is no one else in this world that could fit her mold and it is my deepest hope and prayer that you all remain close.
Happy 1st birthday my sweet girl. You have made our family complete and we love you with all our heart!
Love,
Mommy
