Happy Birthday, Sophia
April 06, 2010
Sophia, when you were born, one year ago today, I couldn't quite grasp the idea that you were a girl. Daughter, I whispered to you, you are my daughter.
It sounded like make-believe.
I am so glad you get to have a daughter, my mom told me.
And I wasn't sure what that would mean, or if it was somehow a betrayal of my sons to be glad too. After all, I am so grateful to have my sons. They would have been enough. They were enough.
I didn't need all the trappings that come with girls.
I didn't need to fall in love with the contrast between your soft pinkness and your brothers' hearty brown.
Or their rambunctious joy in you.
I didn't need the delight of seeing how naturally your father wraps around you.
I didn't need to watch you sleep and marvel at the fan of your eyelashes.
I didn't need frilly Christmas dresses.
Or hair bows.
I didn't need ridiculously girly outfits.
My life was pretty full, and I was happy.
I didn't need to have a girl. But oh, my Sophia, my daughter...
I needed you.
Happy birthday. You grow louder and larger and more intense every day. Thank you for being.
Yes, and thank you God for my own two sweet girls :-)
Melody
Posted by: Melody | April 07, 2010 at 04:06 AM
Sophia, you are one lucky little girl. You were born into an amazing family. Happy First Birthday, Munchkin!
Posted by: Jan in Norman, OK | April 07, 2010 at 07:44 AM
What a beautiful family you have! I'm so glad that you all have each other.
Posted by: Jennifer | April 07, 2010 at 07:53 AM
*weep!* Happy Birthday, beautiful Sophia!
Posted by: Aimee | April 07, 2010 at 09:11 AM
Happy Birthday Sophia!
Posted by: Amy | April 07, 2010 at 10:35 AM
Awww, this seriously made me tear up. Happy Birthday Sophia! :-)
Posted by: JuJuBeans | April 07, 2010 at 01:52 PM
She has gotten so big, I cannot believe it's been a year!!
Happy Birthday, Sophia!
Posted by: Mary Jo | April 08, 2010 at 02:07 AM
The third picture from the end looks like she is waving away the Paparazzi.
Pictures don't do her justice. She is so tiny, so adorable, so... in charge!
Posted by: Amma Always | April 08, 2010 at 05:47 AM
Beautiful post! Happy Birthday Sophia!
Posted by: Rachel | April 08, 2010 at 08:33 AM
Wow, what a beautiful post! Happy birthday to your twinkly, sunny, sweet Sophia!
This post really resonated with me emotionally - I must confess to you that as a mother of FOUR boys who wanted a girl EVERY SINGLE TIME, I am feeling a little twinge of jealousy (also feeling guilty because as you said - I have all these wonderful boys). I mostly just enjoy my rascally monkey boys, and have generally accustomed myself to the fact that I will never have a daughter. However, the absolute delicious sweetness of your darling girl has churned up some of my long-buried feelings about my desire for a daughter (my Mom and I are VERY close, and I hoped to be able to experience that mother-daughter relationship from the other side).
Wow, I apologize for leaving a whiny comment on your Sophia's birthday post! I think I'll go tackle my 4 year old son, Owen (the big boys are in school) and snuzzle his sweet/stinky dirty boy neck! My boys do give good cuddles and hugs, and they LOVE their Mama!
Posted by: Julie in Austin | April 08, 2010 at 10:29 AM
How could it be a year already!! Such precious photos, easy to see how loved you are by all your family Sophia. I am still longing for a granddaughter after 3 sweet boys....
Posted by: Priscilla | April 08, 2010 at 03:09 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SOPHIA!! It's hard to believe it's been a year of watching her grow here. She's beautiful!
I too longed for a girl but only had the boys. However, I have now been blessed with 2 beautiful grandaughters and I get it - you fall in love anew everyday with their preciousness.
Posted by: Pamela L | April 08, 2010 at 04:53 PM