Dear Sky,

I can’t believe you’re one! What a year, whew… Somehow this year has felt like the longest and shortest year ever. Just when we were really getting into the swing of things with you, the world went into lockdown due to a global pandemic. I mean, if you asked me the most outlandish thing I could think of — this wouldn’t even make the list of things I could have conceived of prior to 2020.

You’ve had quite the first year, too — you emerged into this world so quickly (good lord, even I was blindsided by the swiftness), and speed seems like it might just be part of your personality at this point. Everyone who meets you remarks how quick you are — how fast you can zip out the door and climb the steps on all-fours, how quickly you spot an open gate and beeline straight for the opening, and how you seem to have a sixth sense for when anything off-limits (like cell phones, remotes, or drinking glasses) are out and within your reach. 

Even though being home with everyone for the past 7+ months has had its challenges, one of the upsides has been being able to mostly escape the plethora of viruses that likely would have made up much of your first year. You caught RSV at just 7 weeks old and you and I ended up spending 4 very stressful nights at Oakland Children’s Hospital together as a result. I spent every minute with you there while Daddy drove back and forth multiple times a day, juggling caring for us and the girls simultaneously. I hated having you hooked up to so many tubes and monitors, and the only time I was ever able to get you to take a pacifier were those first 10 hours when they wouldn’t let you breastfeed because your oxygen support levels were too high to allow for it. You weathered the hospital like a champ (better than your poor Mama, even) and were finally discharged when you no longer needed oxygen support.

At first we thought you might be our quiet, introverted child, but man were we wrong — you are just as eager to be a part of the conversation as your two chatty sisters. You yell and squeal through dinner, making it very clear when you want “more” or “water.” 

Your sisters make your face light up, and you’re so eager to join in on whatever they’re doing. You love Mama, Daddy and Morgan, showing your affection with the sweetest, tightest hugs, and planting big, open-mouthed kisses on our faces. 

Larky gave you your nickname, because she would gush all over you, cooing “Bubba Skyyyy.” You’re now known as Bubba, Bubs, Bubsy, and Bubbers. Daddy loves to call you Sky Guy, while I often refer to you as babycakes (which I’m sure you won’t find embarrassing at all when you’re older).

You have made our family feel so full and wonderful, I couldn’t imagine life without you. I love you so much, Bubs, and I just can’t wait to see what year two will bring.

Love, Mama