It feels silly because I know why it's here.
Lila Rose turns one today.
I haven't shifted into celebratory mode yet. I know it will come, but the tears definitely beat it.
I went into Lila's room twice this morning before heading to work at 3:30 to tell her I love her and Happy Birthday.
It did not phase her. I know today, for her, is just another day.
But for me, it marks the end of babyhood.
This week has been full of more firsts, as Lila literally toddled into toddlerhood:
1) Taking several independent steps.
2) Adding the word "bye bye" to her vocabulary.
3) Intentionally putting off her bedtime bottle to give countless hugs.
4) Taking creative measures to make people laugh.
All of these additions make me smile and cherish this stage of life, but I also recognize with each new "thing" my baby is not a baby anymore.
From the day Lila was born, everyone told me, "They grow up so fast!"
And yall...it's true. They really do.
I knew I would love becoming a mom. But I didn't know the love I was capable of sharing with a child. It's so deep.
You know what I'm talking about.
If you see my eyes glazed over today, you know why.
I'm thinking about what was happening at this exact time one year ago.
I'm thinking about how I couldn't wait to see Lila's face for the first time.
I'm thinking about how I pre-planned everything about delivery day, except for actually asking anything about how to deliver a child.
I'm thinking about the flood of emotions I felt when we had our first time alone that night and everything hit me.
I'm thinking about how quickly Lila transformed from a stranger to my daughter. Just. Like. That.
Lila will be waking up any minute now and I can't wait to hear my phone buzz with the daily morning pictures from Matt.
I will push through this glass cage of emotion and put on the happiest face.
But my eyes will be seeing my little girl a little bit differently today.
I know Lila will still let me rock her to sleep for her morning nap and I will savor that precious time. Tears might fall, but they truly aren't tears of sadness.
They're "transitional tears" full of pride, love, and raw hope for her future.
Happy Birthday, sweet girl. We love you so.
-Britney
