What a year Pony.

I married your Dad, gave birth, and stumbled through the first three months of your life without breaking you. Stellar accomplishments, I’d say, but the truth is they are all huge gifts from the whatever you want to call it thing that is bigger than us all up there below and all around.

2011 has created me. I am the woman I always wanted to be but didn’t know it. I am a wife and mother. Wow. Me. Really.

You never cease to amaze me. Beginning with the way you charmed every single person around us on the flights. The looks of dread that passed on their faces when they realized, oh shit, four hours with a baby. But no, not you, you handled it all with aplomb. Even the delays. Maybe you will love traveling as much as we do. It looks like you already do.

You have always been a super alert baby, straight out of the womb, but now there is definitely a very wonderful wheel turning behind your eyes. I can see it working away, forming new synapses and connections. You are considering things. It’s fascinating to watch.

You met so many new people on this trip back to South Dakota. All your relatives. And they were so excited to meet you. It was a love fest all around. Good solid folks, Pony. Authentic, warm, loving, and kind. You are one lucky little girl to have so many people love you so much.

My only sadness for you is that they don’t live closer. That none of your doting Grandma’s do. We could really use them somedays.

So now we are wrapping up 2011 and saying good-bye. It’s been nothing less than life- changing for me. I can’t wait to see what 2012 has to offer.

Dad is going to up load the videos and photos from the trip. I promise. I’ll make him if he forgets.

We love our new house. I think you do too.

And lastly- a new development of yours- you like to sit up in the middle of breastfeeding, grab my nipple with your two little fingers, stare intently at it as if it were magic, squishing and twisting it before you finally pull it into your mouth with a barbaric yelp, seemingly forgetting it’s attached to my body, whereas I yelp with you.

Good times, P. Good times.

I’m more in love with you than ever. That is the truth.

Mom