Wow, one big candle on the birthday cake…you’ve been a parent for a year! Your life before baby may seem like a very distant memory now. Stop for a minute and think about all you’ve learned this year about your child…and yourself. You’ve gotten to know who your baby is—her unique personality and what makes her tick. You’ve also had to make important decisions for your baby (about how and where she will sleep, what she will be fed, and who her caregivers will be). As your baby has grown and changed over this first year, you’ve had to adjust your parenting as she mastered new skills and had different needs. These changes require a lot of patience, flexibility, and ingenuity. You’ve probably handled everything from sleepless nights to spit-up, to the first sickness, the first toothless smile, and maybe even the first step. You’ve also discovered your own hot buttons when it comes to parenting. And, you’ve experienced the fierce and deep love that you share with your little one. Happy Birthday!
