Dear Alice,

It’s your first birthday. You came into this world fast like Supergirl and haven’t slowed down yet. I can’t believe how tiny you were. I could watch you sleep for hours and hours and never get tired of holding you.

You learned everything so quickly and still go into all that you do by jumping in with both feet. I admire that about you. You’re fearless and brave. You come to get me or Dad when you need us, but you don’t often need us. I’m amazed at your independence and refusal to give up.

We had some scary moments this year. Every time that I hug you tightly it’s because I am remembering how it felt to think about a world without you. A world without you no longer exists for me. It feels like you’ve always been here with me.

I have so much to show you, tiny Dinosaur. And I’m learning a lot from you too. I’m learning a lot more than I thought I would. So thank you for introducing me to a part of life that I had only imagined.

I love you more than pizza. I love you more than daffodils. I love you more than long books. I love you, little Dinosaur.

– Mum