I know you're only one,
And won't remember this day,
But if you keep this card, I pray
You consider the struggles you've won
And the monumental discoveries just begun.

Out of the womb's cocoon - new entity!
A unique specimen of life; a wonderous creation!
That initial breath of antiseptic, hope and untold expectation;
Mum's exhausted, glowing recognition of your reality;
The instant bond of Mum and daughter - subliminal connectivity!

A most rewarding period - a year of firsts:
The first banshee wail announcing your presence to the world;
The first smile to melt cooing observer's hearts;
The first tentative explorations of strange environs;
The first taste of mushed apples and dirt;
The first movement to make a ***** proud;
The first torrent of information absorbed into a receptive mind;
The first sight of Mum, a dog and the Wiggles;
The first touch of toys, carpet and that sticky thing;
The first experience of pain - a necessary evil;
The first aural delights of music and speech patterns;
The first shaky, awkward, but determined steps towards independence.

Indeed, this first year has been momentous,
However, consider - the learning curve has just started:
Ahead of you, so mysterious now, are other firsts awaiting.