The First Year

This first year that Scarlette has been in our lives has been a wonderful new experience that has seen Giovanni and I grow as people, recognize more of ourselves, and stretch in every direction. It has been filled with small precious wonders, as we have watched Scarlette accomplish so many milestones, each filled with bittersweet realization that our little one is growing up.

My perspective of this world and of life has changed upon Scarlette’s arrival into this world, as I suspected it would. There is just nothing that can compare to the privilege of raising another human being; nothing quite like the tender touch of her small hands on my face, the softness of her skin, the innocence of her big brown eyes, the need in her reaching arms, the joy in her pure laughter, the sound of her giggles when I tickle her, to hear her say “Mama” while looking in my eyes, to see her communicate with the signs I have taught her, the bond that nursing has created, her squeals and screams when I arrive home at the end of the day, wet baby kisses, to watch her take her first steps…there is absolutely nothing like it.

There is such purity in her smiles; her laughter flows from absolute joy, she hasn’t yet tasted anger or bitterness or the stress of life’s twists and turns. In those first months, I spent so much time just taking her in, studying her tiny form, hoping to imprint it in my memory. I was amazed by little soft feet that had never known a step, the pure whiteness of her eyes that had not yet known a tired or stressful day.

There is immense beauty in this journey of Motherhood, and it flows alongside immense pressure, pain and devotion. It is a beautifully difficult honour to care for this true Gift sent from heaven. Giovanni and I come away from this first year with so many precious memories and as stronger individuals with a deeper appreciation for the Moments in life.