What A Difference A Year Makes: A Tribute to Vivian (and Me)

Today my Vivian Rose is two years old. 

I thought about all the photos I could share.  I pondered over some of the stories I could post about her over the past several months. 

In the end though, my mind kept reflecting back to one year ago and how she's changed in such a short amount of time.  Also, I think about how much I've changed over the past year - in becoming a better mom.

Below is a tribute to Vivian for being my daughter over the past year (and for me being her mother).  I don't feel the need to go earlier than one year.  Because, let's be honest - the first year is really a blur.  (The 0 - 12 months is just crying, lack of sleep, burping, feeding and thinking you birthed an alien baby).  I didn't really like her much for the first year anyway.  For me, all the fun stuff happened after she became one. 

Vivian, this is for you ~

What A Difference A Year Makes


One year ago
You couldn't walk
You were completely bald
And you couldn't talk.

At two years old
You're finally getting some hair
Now you are walking,
Running and climbing stairs.

One year ago
You didn't like sweets or cake
You didn't want to be touched
Or like it when I put things in your face.

At two years old
You leaped into your birthday treat
Now you touch sand and dirt
And walk around in your bare feet!

When she was one
Tubes were placed in her ears
Then the doctor visits ceased
So did a few of my fears.

Now at age two
Viv is a healthy, smart girl
She makes us laugh each day
The Diva can rock our world!


At one year ago
I was an uptight, unsure mother
I didn't take my role seriously
I certainly didn't want another!

As I enter my second year
I am more confident. I even grin.
I can hardly believe I'm saying this...
But I may consider doing this again.

When Viv was only one
I focused on what she couldn't do
Instead of finding the daily joy
Or seeing each precious moment through.

As we celebrate Vivian's second birthday
She has learned so much, Holy Cow!
I have a bright, funny, beautiful daughter
I enjoy her so much more today and now.

I am learning to be a more patient parent
And to cut myself some slack,
To admit that I'm doing a decent job
And even give myself a pat on the back.

Even though some doubts still arise
My love for her is real - a forever bind
In simplest terms, Vivian is my destiny
I was meant to be her mom and she is mine. 

I know it when I look in her eyes
When I gaze into that adorable face
My feelings reach new depths, thanks to her
My heart has no boundaries, no empty space.

And when she awakens from her current nap
I will hug and kiss her so tenderly
I'll wipe away these sudden tears falling down my cheeks
And say "Vivian, I love you.  Thank you for choosing me."

 
Happy Birthday Baby Girl.  I love you so very much!

P.s. - I promise the words above were written with love from your crazy mama -