Dear Haashya,
Today you turn one! It’s been a year since you crash-landed into our lives with the force of a tiny hurricane, turning everything upside down in the most delightful and chaotic way. Today, you’re officially a man. Just
kidding! We’ve still got seventeen years before that wild ride. For now, you’re a baby—oops, scratch that—a toddler. Just saying “toddler” makes me feel like a relic. Weren’t you just a tiny, squishy burrito snuggled on my
chest like, five seconds ago? Could you hit the brakes on this growing up business? I’m not ready for all this rapid aging.
Watching you evolve every day has been like binging a fascinating, unpredictable series. You’ve packed so much development into one year, it’s like you’re on a secret mission. You’re crawling now and nosing into everything.
Your curiosity is off the charts! Watching you try to figure out how to open the staircase gate or put on shoes is like watching a mini Houdini. You’ve turned the mundane into the magical. Honestly, I could watch you all
day—and let’s be real, that’s pretty much my full-time job now.
The beginning of our time together wasn’t exactly a smooth ride. To put it bluntly, it was a hot mess. Your mom and I were losing our minds. You cried incessantly. You boycotted sleep like it was a protest movement. I turned
into a zombie. You loved snatching my glasses, and you’re still at it. Seriously, what's with the glasses obsession? Do I look that funny without them?
But then, out of nowhere, you decided to cut us some slack. You saved your first smile just for us when me and your mom were on the verge of losing it. And then you laughed, and that was pretty much the end of us. I can handle more
sleepless nights just for one of your cute smiles. You know that feeling when you’re so overwhelmed with emotion you can’t even describe it? That’s how I feel when you giggle. Your infectious laughter is like an instant mood
booster. Sometimes I swear I must be dreaming. To be this lucky.
There’s this really corny saying: “After every storm comes a rainbow.” Well, you are the most spectacular rainbow after a really nasty storm. We went through some serious tough times before you arrived. We lost your sister,
and both sides of the family had their share of medical drama. But then you showed up and made all those problems shrink into nothing. You’ve taught us that problems are just about perspective.
Now, what do I love about you? I could go on forever... I love your big smile that makes strangers stop in their tracks. Seriously, we can’t go anywhere without someone grinning back at you. I love how you scream with glee
and crawl to the door, then dramatically flop down to peer under it when I come home from work. It’s like having my own tiny welcoming committee.
I love all the silly sounds you make; they are the sweetest—and sometimes the strangest—sounds I have ever heard. I love the way you demand your blanket every time you see it, like it’s some long-lost treasure. I love your
kisses, even if I have to bribe you with everything from toys to snacks to get one. I love how you turn grumpy grocery store shoppers into giggling softies. You’re already making the world a better place, and you’re only a
wee baby. That’s pretty special. You are pretty special.
Happy first birthday, little buddy! You’re a real showstopper. Here’s to many more years of laughs, chaos, and snatched glasses.
Love,
Dad
