Happy 1st Birthday Born During Covid

 

Dear Jonah,

Today you turned ONE. Happy Birthday Jonah!!

Mommy was three months away from your due date when the world suddenly changed. When we first learned about our pregnancy back in October of 2019, daddy and I were so excited for all the usual future plans in welcoming a newborn baby. I started 2020 with hopeful dreams and big plans for your arrival. Afterall you are our first. I hoped for a nice big baby shower, having my mom in the delivery room because your momma is afraid of needles, having your grandparents hold you for the first time in the hospital, taking newborn pictures and having family gatherings where everyone can meet you. But when you were born our world was changed, and you were the light amidst the darkness.

Call it Mother’s intuition, but I knew you were a boy when I found out I was pregnant, and it was no coincidence either that the name Jonah was planted in my heart. We have read the story of Jonah to you many times and you love pointing out the whale and water or as you like to say “agua,” but someday Jonah you will have a better understanding of the true meaning. I know God planted this name in my heart for a reason. He knew the year that was coming, and the takeaway is this Jonah.  It is a story of acceptance. It is about accepting changes we are being guided to undertake, no matter how challenging they may seem. It is a story of the World finding its grace and Gods’ Compassion on his people. I hope whenever you feel lost or alone that you always turn to this story, because even today, we are all a lot like Jonah.

So today, we celebrate YOU!! You have no idea how grateful and how blessed we feel to be celebrating your first birthday! Yes, this covid year was a scary time for mom and dad because all we wanted was to protect you against the unknown. However, we chose to trust the unknown future to a known God, and that right there Jonah is your purpose. You are our purpose. You have brought peace, hope, light, and so much happiness into our lives.

The day you were born, we had the varsity cheer team as your dad called it, to deliver you. You were crying so loud, and dad stood by your side as they cleared your lungs out. The moment they placed you on my chest you got calm. You knew momma was there. Afterall, you are the only one who knows the sound of my heartbeat. I still never get tired of holding you on my chest as you take a nap. I know you didn’t get to meet everyone right away, but when your grandparents got to hold you for the first time their smile and tears were extra special.

What I am most thankful for this past year, was time. Time to live an un-paced life. Time for extra cuddles, time to get to know you, and time to watch you grow in front of our eyes as we worked from home. Something that we would have missed out in, otherwise.  Time is precious Jonah, and I think we were losing sight of that, but you have made us realize now more than ever how valuable our time is.

365 days growing right before our eyes, literally. So many laughs, snuggles, cries, and lots of praying. Today brings out so many emotions. The thought of you turning one brings me to tears. Part of it being a rollercoaster year, and part being the thought of you growing up. Can you just stay this little a little longer? Yes, we had some long rough nights, but I always reminded myself that those moments wont last long and one day you won’t need me to rock you to bed, so I continue to embrace those nights that I get to wake up and rock you back to sleep. I love hearing you laugh, especially when you find it funny to watch daddy do pushups. You also enjoy all the silly songs we make up to entertain you or to put you to bed. I don’t know what you found so relaxing about my achy breaky heart, but I had fun making up words to the song while I danced around the living room to calm you. I enjoyed watching you as you tried out new foods, crawled for the first time and especially hearing you say your first words like Mama, up, papa, and agua! I loved every single slobbery kiss and the random hugs like you to give momma. I love that you love avocado, because we love it too! You currently hate balloons but enjoy playing with bubbles! I love that you love playing around with us and purposely fake to cry while looking at us to get a reaction and start laughing right away. You love playing with cars and whenever anything surprises you, you automatically say “Ooo!” I love see the world through your eyes, because everything looks so much sweeter.

I know 2020 will always be a year known for the difficulty, loss, sadness, unity, family time, and patience people endured that year. But we will remember 2020 as the year it brought you into our lives. You have such a kind, loving, and humorous character. Thank you, Jonah, for being you, for gifting us with many life lessons in just one year, for getting us through a difficult year, but most importantly for being the best thing that has happened in our lives.

The best is yet to come Jonah. I look forward to you meeting your family members that you have yet to meet and taking you out to places to see the world!  I pray that God always guides you and protects you. I hope as the years goes by you always look back at this post and know how much you really mean to us. Happy Birthday my love,

Love you always,

Mommy and Daddy!

 

 

God bless You Always

 Love Robin