From the moment I saw you, I knew I'd never be the same. Your piercing blue eyes had me from those first seconds, and I fell completely, totally, head-over-heels in love with you. And I'm pretty sure that your Daddy feels the exact same way :)
The first few days at home were a whirlwind. With family and friends coming and going, we felt showered with helpful advice, love and well-wishes. It was a surreal feeling; the new motherhood thing, and I basked in it. Over the course of the next 12 months I discovered that it's even better than I could have ever imagined. In the same way that your Daddy was made to fly, I feel that was made to be a mother. Your mother. It has been the greatest gift of my life, and it is my daily prayer that through the triumphs and trials that your life will bring, I never take for granted the spectacular miracle that you are.
Each day with you brings something new; a new look, sound, word, or gesture. You smile when you learn new things, and clap when you know you've done a good job. It's all about discovery these days, and you are so very good at discovering. When you find or do something new, you'll look up at me as if to say, "see Mama?!"... it melts my heart. And I can see your personality shining through more and more, too. I can already tell that you're going to be a rule-follower, and that you have a tender heart...things that I think you got from me. You love to snuggle, just like your Daddy, and seem to have his affinity for the outdoors as well. You have a very sweet disposition, and are perpetually laid-back. You've only recently started showing signs of getting frustrated by things, and it's usually because you'd rather be playing than taking care of needless tasks like getting your dirty diapers changed! Ha! You're curious, but cautious at the same time, and there is nowhere that you'd rather be than in our arms (something I hope doesn't change any time soon!).
You have brought us such joy this year, and I truly feel like my cup is overflowing with love. I love your messy hair when you wake up in the morning, and how it curls up above your ears when you get hot. I love your wrinkled-nose smile, and your open-mouthed laugh. I love the sound of your voice when you say my name, "Mama". I love the way that you still have that sweet baby scent. I love your three little teeth, and how they barely peek out from your grin. I love your little fingers as they grip my arm when I hold you. I love the weight of your head on my shoulder as I rock you to sleep. I love that your 4th toe is the longest one :) I love your tender heart, and your inquisitive spirit. I love that the first thing you go to when we sit down to play is your books. I love that when you dance, you flap your arms and try to spin. I love the way your long eyelashes lay on your rosy pink cheeks as you sleep. I love your blue eyes, your heart shaped mouth, and your cute button nose.
But perhaps the thing I love the most about you is a selfish one...I love the way that you love me. It's the unquestioning, unconditional, innocent, and pure love of a child. It has changed me from the inside out. I want to be better for you; to be a good example, a thorough teacher, a great wife, a loving friend, and to let my love of the Lord shine through my life so that you can see where happiness truly starts.
I love you, baby girl. Sweet, silly, smiley, snuggly you. More than you could ever imagine.
Love Forever and Always,
Mommy
