Dear Maximilien,
Today, you are one years old. A year ago at this moment I sat in my hospital room looking at you sleeping in my arms feeling scared. Today, I feel comfortable in my new role and embrace it full everyday. Last night after you went to bed, your father and I sat and talked about about how it's been a year already since you were born. We both couldn't believe how fast the 12 months had passed. I can't explain to you the happiness that you've graced me with your existence, Max. It is so much bigger than anything I could ever dream of.
The last few months you've really been showing off your personality. You are to me the happiest baby I know. You are always smiling even when you're sad. You are like your mother in that you change your mood at the drop of a hat. One moment you're happy the next, you are frustrated. Then you will be sad and then very zen. You'll make a face and then you will be affectionate.
Though you can not speak yet, your expressions speak loud and clear. You can express yourself verbally. You say, "hello" and "ba ba" for goodbye. You say "door" when we are getting read to go out. Of course, you say "Ma Ma" and "Da Da". And I think today you said "shooo" as I put on my converse today. You amaze me everyday. Just today, you did something you've never done before. We went to get you your first pair of shoes. You will be walking soon and your nanny has requested that you have proper walking shoes. She intends on getting you up and going on those two legs of yours. We went to the store and tried on two pairs of shoes.
The first pair didn't bother you at all. The second pair caused you to throw yourself down on the floor and kick and scream in a manner that I had never seen before. As I sat stunned on the couch I didn't know what to do? Either to get my camera and take a photo (it was almost comedic the way you were acting) or start worring. But this just shows me that you have a strong personality, Max. And naturally, I am intrigued. Will this be a preview of your second year of life? I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
I type this letter with a slightly heavy heart. Starting April 1 you will spend 4 days a week with your nanny. I will go back to work. I am at the same time excited to start this new adventure in running my own cafe and scared to leave you. I have so cherished this last year because it was our special time together. But I feel in my heart that you are ready to go on your own adventure as well. When I see you around other children there is a light in your eyes that I don't see when we're home together. Sure, you are excited to see me after each nap and when we play you squeal with delight. But when you play with other kids I see you suddenly in a different light. I see you starting to stretch your independence. And I know that I must let you go a little...
So many adventures we've shared in the last year... this new year of life will be even more exciting.
Happy Birthday to my spring baby.
Love,
Mama
Happy First Birthday Max! All the best for the year (and years) to come!
Posted by: Robyn | March 20, 2008 at 23:09
whoa, happy big day, Maximilien! that went by fast, didn't it?
Posted by: cara | March 20, 2008 at 23:23
Happy Happy day Max! With lots of love...
Katy, Jack and Sarah
Mary Anne and Tom!
Posted by: Mary Anne | March 20, 2008 at 23:35
Happy Birthday, Maximilien!!
with Love,
Halaboji
Posted by: SuBon | March 21, 2008 at 02:05
Happy Birthday Max!!!!
My son Finn was born April 9th of last year so I am right there with you. Though it is a bit different because we had his big sister before him, there is this big challenge for me in knowing he is my last baby and I'm just not ready for him to be big yet. He just started walking and seems to be moving seamlessly into toddler-hood which makes me happy and sad all at once.
Posted by: Crazy Baby Lady | March 21, 2008 at 03:26
Happy Birthday, Max!
Posted by: Stephanie | March 21, 2008 at 03:28
The time does go by so fast when they are so little. I admire the way you take in everyday and appreciate life for what it is. You marval in the little accomplishments that happen everyday, you feel joy when he tries something new, and saddness when he bumps his head trying to do that new thing! That is what being a mom is all about...an YOU are a great one!!
Happy Birthday Baby Max!!
Posted by: kelly | March 21, 2008 at 05:23
Happy Birthday Max!!
Aimee - I went back to work when my daughter started walking (just after 1 year) so I am totally with you. I kind of saw the fact that she could stand and move by herself as a sign for me to start chasing my own dreams as she could start to seek hers.
The work/life balance is a struggle I have every day, but I am sure you, Julien and Max will work out whatever you feel best for your little family.
online hugs
Sharon, Fabien and Sophie
Posted by: sharon | March 21, 2008 at 05:30
Happy First Birthday Max!! You are such a cutie!!
Posted by: pat | March 21, 2008 at 08:31
Happy birthday little man :)
Posted by: Penny | March 21, 2008 at 10:09
Happy First Birthday, Max, and much love from your friends Lisa and Georges. I am so happy we will get to see you grow up to age 2... 3... 4... and far beyond.
Posted by: The Bold Soul | March 21, 2008 at 10:27
Happy birthday Max! oh you're just so cute I want to eat you!!!
Posted by: Irene | March 21, 2008 at 11:36
He's so Fr-American Idol in that second to last photo. Happy B-Day, little one.
Posted by: phillippa | March 21, 2008 at 12:30
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAX! Max, if your mama decides to put you in your hanbok and do a korean birthday for you, make sure you go for the money!!! life has taught me that everything else is pretty worthless. ;)
I can't believe it's been one year already, aimee. Wow. It's almost scary how fast time goes by. . .
Posted by: Sandra | March 21, 2008 at 13:50
The Big Number One! Happy Birthday Max, and very best wishes to your proud mama and papa. Boy, you are one super cute little guy, and full of your own spirit based on what your mom says. :-) Stay happy!
Posted by: Margaret | March 21, 2008 at 14:42
One year already?! It seems like just a few months ago, you had announced your pregnancy...
Max is so expressive! From your pictures, he looks like the happiest baby ever, and I'm sure he'll make tons of friends with the nanny.
Posted by: Veronique | March 21, 2008 at 16:30
Happy Birthday to Max!!!
Posted by: Jenny Rebecca | March 21, 2008 at 16:49
Happy birthday Max! He's such a cutie and you've done a fabulous job documenting his first year!
Posted by: laura b | March 21, 2008 at 19:50
happy birthday max! what a great entry! :) he's such a cute and expressive kid. i know what you mean about being around other kids. the peanut is the same way!
Posted by: gleek | March 22, 2008 at 01:39
Big!! birthday wishes from Northern California! to Max. And congratulations to the two wonderful parents who have nurtured such an adorable fella!
Posted by: Terry | March 23, 2008 at 16:18
joyous belated birthday, monsieur max!
Posted by: jess | March 25, 2008 at 18:43
1yr already? Time flies doesn't it?
Happy 1yr Birthday little Max!
Posted by: Deb | March 26, 2008 at 12:18