Mommy, Daddy and baby sitting in the church pews

To My Son: On Your First Birthday

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Last Updated on January 22, 2024 by Allison Lancaster

Tomorrow, my little one will be a year old! This past year has been one of the fastest years of my life.

It has been the best year and also, the most difficult year. I wouldn’t trade one single second of this year for anything and the love that I have for our little one is a love that is indescribable. I am in awe and so humbled by the journey that we have been on over the past year. Below is a letter that I have written for our little one on his first birthday and I will keep it for him to read as he gets older. 

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Dear Little One,

Today is your first birthday! How is this even possible? Everyone told me that this year would fly by, but I didn’t really understand it until I became your mommy. I have worked on writing this letter for awhile now, thought about what I would say and shed a few tears about the fact that it’s time to write it. I don’t know exactly how to put into words everything that I want to tell you, but I will try my best.

I know that the ‘best years are ahead of us’, but if mommy cries a little bit today, just remember it’s because of how much I love you.

There will be a few tears of sadness because of just how fast you are growing and how big you are getting. You are so independent and strong. There will be a few tears of joy because honey, we made it through the fist year. It started out rough, between the difficult labor/C-section I had with you and your two week NICU/hospital stay after you were born. There will be a few tears of laughter, because I can really only imagine what you will do with your first cake. Mostly, there will be tears of love, because of the indescribable love I have for you and the blessing it is to be your mommy.

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I’ve heard some people say that becoming a mother is like having your heart walking around outside of your body, and that really is true. You are the best of both me and your daddy. You have my Mamaw’s eyes, your daddy’s sense of humor (and a little of his temper), my stubbornness, your daddy’s hair and my lips.

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You have grown so much this year. Front learning your first words, to getting your first teeth, crawling and pulling up, making best friends with your puppies, learning ‘tricks’ from daddy and making us laugh each day. We have traveled together this year, spent many days with Grammy and Papaw and you have become mine and Grammy’s new best shopping buddy. We have spent many amazing hours at the farm, in our little corner of the world.

You are so smart and I love watching you learn about the world. Not only are you learning, but you have taught me so much. You have taught me that I need to remember God is in control and He will take care of us, even when the days are dark and difficult. You have taught me that I need to slow down and enjoy these years, even in the midst of the messes and the tears–because they will go by so fast. You have taught me that it’s ok to be silly. Watching your daddy with you has given me an entire new respect and love for him.

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You are so amazing and I hope that you always know how much mommy and daddy love you.

I hope you always remember that no matter where you go in this world, you can always come home.

I hope that you follow your dreams, but that you trust in the Lord for His guidance.

I hope that you never outgrow hugging your mommy and that you remember just how much those hugs mean to me.

I hope that you always remember life is a gift and you treat it like one.

I hope that you stay as tender-hearted as you are now, but that you always stand up for what is right.

I hope that you can look back in 18…20…25…45…60 years and be able to say “They loved me, they did their best and I am who I am today because of my parents”.

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I want you to know that this year has been the best year of my life. It has been filled with so many changes and so many ups and downs. We have both learned so much about each other and ourselves. I am so thankful that your daddy supported my dream of staying at home with you and that the Lord has blessed our plans. The time we have spent together is something that no amount of money could ever buy. You are such a blessing to me, little monkey. You made me a mommy. This year is a year that I will cherish forever, and I can’t wait to see what the next year holds for us.

Love, Mommy

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A Letter to My Son: On your first birthday

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26 Comments

  1. A very sweet letter he will cherish years later. I think the first year is the best.

  2. Oh how time flies! Hold onto those memories. Kiddos grow way too fast. My oldest is already 15!

  3. So sweet. I will say I miss my son that small. Now he’s three and really love him even more now. The person they become after turning one is amazing.

  4. This is too sweet!! Happy first birthday to your adorable little boy! I couldn’t help but smile looking at your photos <3

  5. Terri Steffes says:

    Such a lovely letter. What a lovely keepsake for both you and your son.

  6. Such a beautiful letter and thoughtful idea. I too had c-sections with both of my babies and a NICU stay with my second. You thoughts recalled many emotions for me. Thank you for sharing.

  7. Such a sweet sentiment. I’m sure he will appreciate it when he’s older. Time flies so fast. Enjoy every moment!

  8. Awww omg that pulled my heart string. He is a little cutie and will be a hearbreaker when he grow up. I love the photos with him in the checkered shirt. xx

  9. What a sweet, touching letter. I didn’t do this for my son and I wish I had. Congratulations to you, mom, and happy birthday to your son!!

  10. aww what a lovely letter, I wish I had done something similar while my boy was little although there is still time as he is nearly 5!

  11. What a precious post! Happy birthday to your little one and Happy New Year to your family!

  12. This is such a lovely idea! It’s so important to tell your children to follow their dreams – I always make sure to tell my younger brother and sister

  13. Happy birthday to your son! I’m sure he will always remember how much you and his dad love him.

  14. Robin Rue says:

    This is such an adorable tribute. The first year can be difficult with all the new things thrown your way but I am sure he knows he is super loved.

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