Delilah,
I know that people always say it, but the time has gone so fast. I can't believe it's been a whole year since you first came into our lives. To think that a year ago I was rolling around the house like a big pregnant beached whale waiting for you to come is amazing to me. I had no idea then how you would change our lives for the better, and pretty much assumed I would be in hell until you could dress yourself and make me a margarita.
It's early, really early. I'm awake because about an hour ago you woke up out of a deep sleep just screaming. Not crying, but full on screaming. Your dad jumped up and ran to you, picked you up and did his best, but you just wouldn't calm. I took you in my arms and cradled you close and sang "O Delilah" (sung to the tune of "O Suzanna"). This is a song i've been singing since you were born, and i've never made up any words past the phrase, "oh delilah, don't you cry for me". Most of the time i just follow that up with something like "because you are a baby and i don't like it when you cry" Lyrical genius. Nevertheless, it always seems to do the trick. Sure enough you calmed down and had a bottle, and after a while of laying in bed with me, it was back to the crib.
Nights like this make me feel good because it reminds me of just how much you still need us. It's also nice to have you want me for something. These days i'm second string and your father is the main dude. You just adore him like i've never seen. He can leave the room and come back, and you get get so excited that your whole body will shake uncontrollably. It's as if everytime he leaves the room you forget you have a daddy and when he comes back it's the best gift in the world. "a daddy? For me?!"
You show absolutely ZERO interest in walking. You have yet to take one step, even on accident. I know everyone says that there's no rush, and you're only a year old, but i can't wait to see your little doll body walking around the house.
Neither your father or i can remember what we did with our time before you were born. i know that when you're a teenager i'll be trying to tell you about this whole other life i had before i had kids, but right now that part seems so unimportant. You have really changed us completely. I am amazed at how I can be tranfixed by your cuteness i can be. Everyday your father and I are just stricken by something you said or did. The fact that you talk at all is phenomenal. You can say a few words consistently, Daddy (most often), kitty, mama (once in a while), Up, Dog, and Hi. You can point to a tree, the ground, the sky, daddy, mommy and kitties. You can wave. Sometimes though you will just say things, perfectly, and in perfect context once, and never say them again. You've said "NO!" before when asked if you want more. One time I asked You pointed at the first balloon you ever saw and said "bayoon" Then you wouldn't say it again when pressed. We suspect you speak fluently and are fucking with us.
Your birthday party was a trip. We don't know many people here, since we just moved, but the few friends we have made came over and brought their kids. You were sweet and calm in the face of some babies who were seriously losing their shit. Whenever you get like this i'm always proud, but also terrified because i think, if i get overwhelmed with THIS baby, this little calm content angel from heaven, how are be going to fare against a REAL baby? one that cries all the time and is fussy and temperamental and EVIL. This is exactly how i imagine our next baby will be, because you don't get struck by lightning twice, and you are the most rare form of lightning, the kind the come from nowhere, and changes our lives forever. I can't believe you are a year old my little baby, and I can't wait to see what you have in store for us in the years to come.
Year One from Lise Baker on Vimeo.
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