My baby is almost one!

Dear Shelby,

I can’t believe you are going to be one year old!! My little baby is growing up! It was one year ago tomorrow that you got a little impatient and decided to try to make your appearance in this world nearly 6 weeks early. We got to the hospital and then you got scared and tried to stay in. Mommy waited for over a day for you to make a decision….in or out? Well, we finally had to make that decision for you and the doctor went in to get you! That was the moment my life changed forever.

I never knew I had so much love inside me. I have always had so much love for your daddy, your papa and Grammy, and Uncle Trevor, Aunt Tracie and so many others, but the intensity of this love I have for you is overwhelming. You definitely make my life complete and your smile and laugh gets me through each day.

Being a parent is not always easy, in fact, it is the hardest thing I have ever done, but when you hug me, kiss me, coo at me, or just make me realize that you know that I’m your mommy, it makes all the hard stuff seem so worth it!

I love the way you smile at me with your one big tooth (although, we are getting more), I love the way you come crawling at me full speed when you see me, I love your deep belly laugh, I love the way you suck on my cheek when you want to nurse, I love the way you pull my hair when you want to give me a kiss, I love that you offer me your puffs and cheerios, I love the way you try to grab yourself in the mirror every time we get in the car, I love the way you splash, splash, splash in the bath, I love the way that you try so hard to be nice to Schooner and then laugh when he lets you touch him, I love the way you imitate me getting ready in the morning, I love the way you play patty cake, I love the way you devour your puffs, I love the way you start dancing every time you hear music, I can go on and on.

I love watching you with your daddy too! I love watching you with him when you take your weekend naps together. He calls you his “weekend nap ticket”. I love how he orders you clothes from Janie and Jack even though they cost a little more! I love listening to him talk to you while I get ready in the morning, I love the way you brighten up when he gets home from work, and I love when you try to climb on top of him in bed while you are tapping him, saying “Da-da, Da-da”. He loves you very, very much!

You bring so much love into the hearts of others as well. It is so touching to me to see all of your grandparents dote over you. They love you so much and it brings tears to my eyes knowing how happy they are that you are in their life. You have truly changed all of our lives for the better.

This first year of your life has been so much fun, I cannot wait to make more memories with you.

Happy 1st Birthday, Dear Daughter!

I love you more than anything!
Love,

Mommy