Today, you are one.
Like your Amma was the first grandchild in the family, you are the first great-grandchild. First grand-baby for your grandparents and the horde of extended grandparents our family comes with. First baby for your Amma-Appa, and most special and awaited first niece for us.
From the day I learnt of your existence, and continuing even today, you’re a wonder of many firsts. The first time I saw your Amma’s little bump, the first time she excitedly pulled my hand to feel you kicking, the first video call where I met you the day after your birth, the first sleepless night where you promptly slept at 7am in my arms, the first time we did our photoshoot, the list goes on and on.
The greatest wonder that came with you, has been in how you bring a family closer. In the real world, in every time you come home and marvel everyone with your antics, laughter and smiles. In the virtual world where your gaggle of aunts and uncles across the world feel like they’ve been on this year long journey with you.. Your first burps, smiles, sleepless nights, colds, the first time you crawled, the first time you stood up.. You’re a huge piece of glue, along with your little brother too.
So here’s the funny thing, another of these wonders. Two babies has never meant we split the wonder and joy in half. In fact, it’s doubled.
In the last year you’ve instilled a sense of purpose. Be it when I’m always on the lookout for something different I want to get for you, or when I spend hours scrolling through books that I want to introduce you to, or when I see fun arts and crafts that I can’t wait to go nuts with you with- you’ve given a new spin on childhood, to crawling on floors on our fours, to blowing bubbles and making silly faces. More than anything, a purpose to be happy, to spend more time with family and people I love, to give new relationships a chance and to be strong, independent and hardworking. And happy.
While I know the last few months haven’t been as regular (Chithi’s apologies!) not a month went by when I didn’t see you or want to. I still do. No Chennai trip is complete without meeting you. More joy, when I send my folks a text and quietly run over to see you. There is no bigger feeling of peace, healing and contentment that holding a niece and nephew in your arms, and the last 12 months are an exact testament to that.
Today, you are one.
You’ve spent 365 days going around the sun, bringing infinite and unconditional love and joy. 365 days of gurgles, giggles, sweet smiles, dramatic expressions, twinkles and sparkles. 365 days of a little newborn that is today a little person with her own personality.
Her own thinking, her own actions, her own decisions (ragi dosai>ragi kanji, amma!), her own choices and her own quirks and persona.
The days that are to come are going to bring you newer things. More steps forward, more time spent standing up, more discovery, more curiosity, more smiles and more joy.
More wonder, to our little wonder baby girl.
Happy Birthday, my Mish Mash.
forevermadras 
Can’t be the first one to hope and probably won’t be the last. That there’s a book in you waiting to be written… it’s not like everyone can put pen to paper and draw random readers into their world.
Someday. hopefully! 🙂 Thank you!