Autumn Eliza's First Birthday - May 11, 2020

As I say every month, when posting the "look at my child sitting on this blanket that has months on it" pictures that I never thought I would take...Autumn, you remain the best thing.

Birthday poem for the coolest girl in the world. 

I’ve been trying to write something special for several days,

for your first birthday deserves recognition; your joyful spirit, prideful praise.

And I say “prideful” only because it stems from me, not you,

the fortunate one watching you grow and continually learn something new.

You see, being your mom is a gift I’m allowed to open every day,

a gift replete with endearing laughter and constant curious play.

You are smart. You are sweet. You are silly all around,

the best-natured chickie doodle, loved beyond bounds.

You are occasionally a scary monster, spooking Mom and Dad left and right.

You stealthily hide with the best of ‘em, even in plain sight.

You deprive Daddy of kisses and shower Mom with slobbery affection,

but only to aggravate the one you adore without exception.

For Daddy “rolls you in breadcrumbs” and is the best cookie monster around;

The fellow tractor-rider and builder of your eventual playground.

You have his blue eyes, stubby Fred Flintstone feet, and 100% of his heart,

the thief who makes it the loveliest of lives in no small part.

We love to watch you dance to every beat you ever hear

and see your little hand wave as mower-bound Poppa draws near.

You quickly befriended Laverne and Shirley, and long ago charmed all the rest.

The animals of the farm, your favorites; stroller rides to see them, the very best.

You have a mouthful of teeth and a head full of curly hair,

can quickly cross the camper undetected, catch you if we dare.

You seem to get jokes that a one year old shouldn’t enjoy

and when knocking down stacked books or blocks, oh the speed you employ.

You’ve yet to meet a food you will not eat,

cheesy noodles your favorite, dessert, a never-declined treat.

But, don’t get me wrong, you are well-versed in all things healthy as well,

a BIG help in the garden, Waterview’s own farmer in the dale.

You can say “good girl,” as I suppose you’ve heard once or twice.

The presence of a right sock, always a complete roll of the dice.

You wake up grinning, right beside us, to start each wonderful day,

and you have truly been a constant blessing since your arrival last May.

So on this first birthday, our dear Autumn Eliza Tucker,

we wish for you more happiness than that brought by First & Farmers suckers.

Thank you for being our daughter, the absolute love of our lives,

we hope today’s celebration is one for your memory archives.