Dear Payson,
You’re gonna go far, kid.
You haven’t been around that long, but you’ve shown a few special qualities since Day 1 that I hope you’ll carry on throughout your life.
Of course, you will constantly change as you grow, and we’ll find out so much more about you in the coming days and years.
In the time I’ve started writing this, you’ve already transformed from a sweet baby into a feisty little troublemaker. New teeth are poking through. Your bald head has become mullet. We’ve rapidly sized up all your clothes. You’re now walking around in sneakers with beaming confidence and reckless curiosity.
But no matter how big and grown up you get, I hope you act kinda like you did as a baby. For example, I hope you:
Continue to be the person who smiles and waves to nearly everyone you see.
I hope you’re always quick to giggle, dance, hug, and clap your hands. Your first words were “Yayyy!” “Hiiiiii!” And “Cheese!” I hope these continue to be some your favorite words as you continue to brighten up every room you’re in.
I hope you start every day with this level of joy and excitement. May all your mornings begin with that big grin you have on your face when you wake up as you bounce and rattle the railing of your crib. And although I don’t love when your siblings jump into the crib with you, I hope Charlie and Jack always go out of their way to join in on your fun.
I hope you stay well rested and continue to prioritize a good night of sleep. I hope you keep that knack for knowing when to be quiet and when to get loud and speak (or currently shriek) up for what you need. You’ve been the most quiet in the bunch so far, but there’s a reason we call you, “The Boss!”
I hope you remain patient, poised, and calm amidst chaos like you always have in this 3-ring-circus you were born into. But at the same time, I hope you pick your spots when you see something you really want, and continue to go for it without fear or hesitation. And when you inevitably get knocked down like you have hundreds of times already, I hope you continue to pick yourself up and keep moving.
Maybe more than anything, as you become more and more independent, I hope you never stop loving your parents as much as you have since you were born…because I know we’ll keep loving you more and more every day.
If you’re anything like your older sister, it won’t be long before you’re asking, “Hey Dad, what was I like as a baby?”
And when that day comes, I hope to share this reflection with you and proudly say with tears in my eyes, “A lot like you are now.”
Having 3 little kids comes with challenges, but you’ve made it as easy as possible. You’ve always embraced being along for the ride, and with each baby step along the way, you’ve made all of our rides so much better. It was a pretty amazing first year as we tearfully celebrated so many of your “firsts” and our “lasts” as parents. And while it’s a little premature to say we saved the best for last…you’re making a pretty competitive case.
And I think you’re just getting started.
Because if you keep these special qualities as you take on the world…you’ll do just fine, baby girl.
Love,
Dad
The Janiec Reflection 