My Baby is 1!

Dearest Lena Kate,

I write this the day after your fabulous birthday and party. You were surrounded by 30 of the most loving friends and family. My, you are so very special to everyone, but none more so than to me. I can't remember what life was like up to a year ago..all I know is that it was not complete. You are so very precious and have such a fun personality.

A few of your favorite one year old things are your noise making toys..all of them, especially the Funky Town car from Mimi and Papa. You are starting to really like books too..but we have to stick to the very short ones before you decide to move on to something else.

You are practically running these days and can get anywhere very quickly. Your favorite thing to do is climb up on the fireplace hearth and perform all the while we are telling you to get down. The other day Daddy and I and to hide our faces we were laughing so hard knowing we shouldn't be. You are just such a little ham smiling so big we can see those top two big teeth making an appearance in your smile. You will bring something to us when we ask which is so sweet, except sometimes you are just pretending and don't really want to give it to us...silly girl. Then sometimes you just crack yourself up. Dancing is also a talent of yours:)

You love ALL things DOGGIE. Of course, this is one our few words. You also love to say Dada. You and Daddy play this fun game where you say each other's name time and time again. You go to the windows looking for Daddy and calling for him. You are so smart you know when he is not home he always comes in from the outside. You also wave night night to Daddy each night and point at each other.

Your appetite has gotten bigger now that Mommy is not nursing you anymore. You like milk ok when you are really thirsty, but much prefer water. Your meals usually consist of several of the following: green beans, all kinds of berries, peaches or pears, turkey, spaghetti o's, mac and cheese, bread, chicken and sometimes french fries if we are out. The other day we went to Chik-fil-a and shared a nugget meal while our house was being shown. You were a perfect angel, as you usually are. It was such a fun Mommy daugter time.

Bath time is so fun for you. You splash and "swim" in the tub and cry when I have to let the water out :( Then we get you in your jammies and I especially enjoy your sleepy moments when you rest your head on my shoulder and pat my arm. If I could bottle up those moments and open them up any time I'm sad, I'd always be cheered up in those moments.

Lena Kate, we've had the best year with you and can't imagine how much fun is to come. You've stolen our hearts and we don't want it back. God has blessed us to the moon and back with a healthy, happy, sweet,
+ and beautiful child. I hope and pray that you always know the love we have for you. Your Daddy and I, as well as the rest of the family are so very very proud of our precious girl. We look forward to your move to the country in a week and watching you run and play all over the countryside.

Love you with all my heart,
Mama