Dear Ryan,
Can you believe our little one is nearly a year old? It feels surreal, and just the other night, we reflected on how fast this year has flown by.
I still remember that phone call, my voice trembling with excitement and nerves as I told you I was heading to the hospital because our baby was about to arrive. You rushed to meet me at the hospital, still in your scrubs from your shift, and your calm presence eased my fears instantly.
It’s hard to fathom that our son has already been in our lives for almost a year. Four seasons have come and gone since that rainy morning last spring. Throughout this time, I’ve seen you embrace fatherhood from the very first moment. I can’t forget the sight of you changing his diaper for the first time, looking as if you had done it a thousand times before. Or that night when your swift response to his cries brought us both to life in the dim light of our hospital room.
When we received the news that our son would have to stay another day in the hospital because of jaundice, I leaned on you as my world felt like it was crumbling. You stood strong as I navigated the heavy emotions of a new mom caught in an unfamiliar situation.
We faced challenges with breastfeeding together. You listened intently to the lactation consultants and supported me as we tried to figure it out. While I pumped to boost my supply, you made sure to visit our baby in the nursery, keeping me company during long stretches of worry. When I broke down, overwhelmed by seeing our tiny baby alone in that incubator, you held my hand and shared jokes that lifted my spirits.
Those early days at home were an adjustment for both of us. I was wrapped up in sleepless nights and endless feedings, but you were right there with me, starting your journey as a father. Though it was hard to fully appreciate everything you were doing in the moment, you were the glue holding our new family together. Your strength was not just yours; it became the foundation for all of us.
Watching you transform into a father has helped me see all the reasons I fell in love with you in a new light. As our baby grew from a fragile newborn into a little boy with his own personality, I’ve loved seeing pieces of you reflected in him. From his curly dark hair to his playful spirit, I cherish knowing that your best qualities live on in him.
It’s been a joy to witness you discover your hidden talents as a dad. While I was still coming to terms with this new life, you effortlessly created sweet nicknames for our son and established fun family traditions. You turned bath time into a cozy routine, warming the bathroom and playing soothing classical music. While I focused on not messing things up, you made every day an adventure.
Even when I made mistakes, you understood that a mother’s love often comes with guilt. You showered me with kindness, bringing me little surprises and finding ways to reassure me that everything would be alright.
Of course, we faced our share of challenges too. I had heard from friends how having a baby can test a marriage. In those first days, I couldn’t imagine ever feeling upset with you. But as the nights wore on and the days stretched long, tensions crept in, especially when you returned to work while I took on the full-time role of caring for our little one.
Yet, through it all, we grew not just as parents but as partners. When I went back to work after four months, you were there to dry my tears and remind me that he would always be my baby. You helped me let go of my need to control everything, allowing me to embrace the help that came our way.
Thanks to you, I know we will always be okay. From the moment our son entered this world, you have been my rock, encouraging me to take time for myself without guilt.
This past year has been a journey of growth for all of us. I can’t believe it’s been almost one year since you became a father, but I’m so grateful to have shared every moment with you.