Happy Birthday!
One year ago today, Mommy and Daddy were in the hospital, waiting for you to come into the world. And waiting. And waiting. After a 17 hour adventure, you were finally born at 11:15pm. That was the first time we met. Such beautiful eyes and long eyelashes! "Is this beautiful baby our daughter?" we asked. It all seemed too good to be true.
You had a fantastic year! When you were just one month old, you flew to Shanghai with Mommy and Daddy. It was a long journey -- 7600 miles and 17 hours in the air. We weren't sure you could handle it, but you hardly cried at all, not even when the plane was taking off or landing. You probably can't remember what you did in Shanghai, Maybe because you did so many things!: First, you met your Opa and Nana, who had just finished exploring India and were waiting for you in Shanghai. Later, you met Mommy's family (你的姥姥，姨妈，姨父，和表姐毛毛). And you traveled all over the city: you visited People's Square, a famously crowded Shanghai landmark. You also stopped by the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. (Yes, that was Daddy's idea.) When you went though the security check, the guard exclaimed, "This baby is the youngest visitor we've ever had!" And also the cutest!
All too soon, Mommy's maternity leave ended and you and Mommy had to return home. With Mommy back at work, you decided to make some new friends at Bright Horizons, JPMorgan's backup daycare. Mommy was worried, but you were happy from the first day. Miss Maria and all of the other caregivers there showered you with attention and love. I am sure you are missing them.
After two months, Daddy returned from Shanghai, having finished his LL.M. program. (Lyra, I hope you like school as much as your Daddy. Okay, maybe not quite as much.) Our family was finally reunited, and since then, Daddy has spent most of his time at home looking after you. What a lucky baby! Every day is a Lyra adventure: walking in Hermann Park, shopping at Central Market, attending storytime at the library, and taking in the latest exhibits at the museums. Good thing you like doing all the same things as Daddy! Daddy says that spending this time with you is really special, and it will never happen again in his life. But he also says he can't wait to go back to work. What a confused Daddy!
You also took two more trips: during the summer, to Birch Bay to visit your relatives in Washington, and at Thanksgiving, to San Francisco to visit Opa and Nana. What a busy and thoughtful Lyra you are!
You are truly an amazing baby. Perhaps the most amazing thing is that at two and a half months old, you started sleeping through the night. Since then, Daddy and Mommy have gotten at least eight hours of sleep every night. A good rest makes everyone happier. But let's not forget your amazing smile! You are such a happy and playful girl, with a joyful grin that can light up a room. No one can resist Baby Lyra.
Daddy and Mommy love you so much!
Love,
Mommy and Daddy
A few minutes after her birth, Lyra casts a cynical, world-weary gaze on her interlocutors.
Lyra at one month, in her favorite pose.
Lyra Dresden Graduates! Lyra Dresden Graduates!
(from JPMorgan's Eight Week Advantage Program)
Lyra at 10 months, striking a Rodin pose in Hermann Park. Maybe she's thinking about why the photographer included a portapotty in the background. "You're totally ruining my game, man!"
Lyra at one year old, using her Christmas presents from Jennifer/Jeff/Benjy and Nana/Opa as percussion instruments. And wearing her beautiful Christmas outfit from Ron and Janna. Way to keep the Christmas spirit alive, Lyra!
Lyra can't believe this is the candle her parents are using for her birthday cake. Hopefully the ice cream inside the cake won't melt as fast as the candle.
frosting...what a concept.
Actually, Lyra doesn't like frosting or cake. Just ice cream. Dedicated followers of the blog may recall this is not Lyra's first encounter with ice cream; she also tried some at Molly Moon's in Wallingford, after watching salmon swim through the Ballard Locks. Yay Seattle! Yay ice cream! Yay birthdays!
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P.S. The day after her birthday, Lyra had her one-year medical checkup. Dr. Chia confirmed what we already knew: Lyra is a happy, healthy baby. Of course, this data is confidential.
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