Happy Birthday, Clare Noelle Morris!Dear Clare,
Happy Birthday sweetheart! This is your first birthday, besides the day you were actually birthed. I can't believe how far you've come in just a year. I look back at pictures from a year ago, and can barely recognize you as the little dark haired newborn I cradled in one arm. Congrats on a wonderful first year of life.
I know it started out a little rough for both of us. Luckily my memory had blurred over most of the rocky times, but I know it wasn't very easy in the beginning. At least we shared those times together. I got my first I.V. at the age of 25 right before giving birth to you, and you got yours just 8 weeks later as a precautionary measure. But those weeks flew by, and our lives got better and better in each passing week.
I will never forget the first time you smiled at me or rolled over for the first time. You surprise me every week with the new things you learn. After months of playing with the ring stack toy by just ripping off the rings, you threw me for a loop a week ago when you actually put them back on. I beamed with pride like you just won the Nobel peace prize. I am your biggest cheerleader and hope to always be there to support you in all the other great things you will do. Each day, your personality shows more and more. So many people have told me that they've never seen such an expressive baby. It all started with the surprise face, then turned into the questioning stink eye, and now is the fake courtesy laugh. Your emotions can turn on a dime, and I swear we have even seen you laugh while you cry. You are so shy and reserved to people you don't know, but to see you squealing and laughing at home makes it all okay.
I have always told people that you are attached to my hip, but I'm afraid it is a two way street now. We spend almost every one of your waking moments together, from early morning feedings, to afternoon shopping trips, to nighttime baths. You are my constant companion. I can't even remember the days when I used to have privacy in the restroom.
Happy Birthday, my little ClareBear. Your Dad and I couldn't be more happy to have you in our lives, and we love you more than you'll ever know. I'll end this post with the song we customized for you. (sung to the hymn of the Micky Mouse Club Theme Song)
C - L - A
A, cause your adorable!
R - E - N
and pretty nice too!
O - E - L - L -E....
Clare Noelle - Clare Noelle
Clare Noelle - Clare Noelle
You never ever met a girl so swell - oh so swell
Clare Noelle - Clare Noelle
Clare Noelle - Clare Noelle
Of only good things does she smell - oh so sweet
