To My Partner,
What a remarkable journey this past year has been. We began with eager anticipation and dreams of what was to come, and we now find ourselves filled with gratitude for the experience. Our daughter is more than just a continuation of us; she is a precious gift that we cherish.
Before she arrived, I heard countless people say that the moment she came into our lives, I would understand true love. I dismissed those claims, convinced that I already knew what true love was. While I was correct in my understanding, this year has shown me that love can grow even deeper. Through the challenges, disagreements, and difficult moments we’ve faced, our bond has proven to be unbreakable. What we share is genuine love—unconditional, forgiving, resilient, nurturing, and ever-present, even on our most trying days.
I want to take a moment to express my deep appreciation for you as a father. So many new sides of your character have emerged that I never knew existed. Your tenderness, humor, charm, and creativity in caring for her are truly heartwarming. The love and concern in your eyes for her are unlike anything I’ve witnessed before. You genuinely adore her, and it’s evident.
I apologize for my constant interruptions and guidance; it’s not a matter of mistrust in your parenting skills. I’ve simply realized that a mother’s mind is often flooded with worry and second thoughts.
I’ve been surprised by my own transformation this year. I anticipated being a good mom (perhaps a bit of boasting here), but I never imagined I would evolve into the parent I’ve become. From the moment she was within me, something changed profoundly. My priorities shifted entirely to her happiness, comfort, and safety. The responsibility I feel is immense, and it consumes me, often at times when I wish to escape it.
It constantly reminds me that I have a hand in shaping this little person’s life. There are moments when I just sit and gaze at her, struck by the reality that she is here, she is ours, and she’s not going anywhere. It’s a surreal experience.
From the two of us to the three of us—despite carrying her for over nine months, I still find myself pinching to see if it’s real. I never imagined a time would come when we could go to bed without a goodnight kiss, and yet somehow, our world remains intact, even without those small rituals.
As this year closes, I reflect on the nights we haven’t spent together. It reminds me of those two years we spent apart, one of which found us oceans apart. It feels like we’ve returned to that phase of exploration and adjustment, but this time it feels so much more fulfilling. We are together, we are happy, and we now have another precious person—the one we created—to love and cherish.
Our intimacy hasn’t vanished, but rather transformed into a new expression of our love. I value it more than I ever have.
As this year concludes, I feel a renewed closeness to you. We are a stronger unit. Though we may have surface-level tensions, the love and respect we share run far deeper. I have a newfound appreciation for you and all that you do for our family.
Every time I observe the bond between you and our child, I’m reminded of how fortunate she is to have you as her father, and how lucky I am to share this incredible journey with you.
Before we know it, these early years will be behind us. While it may feel like the couple who cherished their time together is lost, I hold onto the belief that we will always have our connection.
I love you deeply, and you know just how much that means.
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Summary:
This article reflects on the transformative first year of parenthood, emphasizing the deepening love and connection between partners as they navigate the challenges and joys of raising a child together. It highlights the evolution of roles, responsibilities, and intimate connections that come with parenting while acknowledging the surreal nature of watching a new life grow.