One year!

Sweet Ali girl!

I cried as I put you to bed  tonight. Getting you in your pajamas and thinking about this past year, I couldn't help but feel so many emotions. Happy that you are mine. Sad that you are growing so fast. Relieved that you are finally a happy girl. Worried about the trials and hardships you'll face in life. Excited to watch you learn and grow. Amazed at how beautiful you are. So many emotions.

I can't believe the time has come for this letter. You can't possibly already be a year old! My pregnancy with you dragged on and on and sometimes I feel like it never ended. That's how fast this year flew by. I feel like we just had you in your Easter outfit, painting eggs with Luke, and we are only a few weeks away from doing that again. You have been a hard baby. We have had a difficult time figuring you out. But we are learning every day. You have also been such a blessing in all of our lives. As hard as it's been, we wouldn't have it any other way. I could kiss your chubby cheeks all day. Even when you have stinky breath (and it stinks!).

The things I want to remember about your first year with us:
-Watching your relationship with Luke blossom. You absolutely adore him. And he, you.
-Visiting Disneyland 7 times since you were born! You lucky duck.
-Having so much fun picking out your outfits and shopping for you.
-Months 5-7 that were extremely difficult on everyone, you especially. Luckily we finally figured out your food sensitivities and you became much happier.
-You have always been a cuddly girl.
-Your first two teeth coming in on March 3rd.
-Your constant need to move. Whether it's crawling everywhere or dancing or bobbing your head.
-Your kisses and loves.
-Your stinky breath.
-Your LOUD screeches that typically mean you are happy. ;)
-Your love for Mickey Mouse, Yo Gabba Gabba, and Frozen. (Thanks to it's music constantly playing.)
-Your obsession with food. Haha.
-Your giggles in the morning. When I come in to pick you up and change you, you just sit and giggle and smile. Over nothing. It melts my heart.
-Your tantrums. (Lately, if you are crying or sad and we try to pick you up or comfort you, you'll flail your body in the opposite direction, usually hurting yourself and creating more problems. Diva.)

You have made me one happy mama. I just can't believe it's come so fast and tomorrow you will be my big girl. You are changing every day, and becoming more and more beautiful by the minute. I am so thankful for the joy and happiness you bring to our family, and especially for the way you are constantly pushing me to be better. I always want to be a better mom, friend, wife, and person because of my children. YOU make me want to be the best I can be, so that I can teach YOU how to be the best you can be.

You will always be my sweet baby. I know from experience with your brother that time does not slow down, no matter how much I beg. So as the time inevitably flies by too quickly, I will be smothering you with my kisses and hugs and reminding you all the time just how much I love you. I can never express just how much that is in words. You are perfect, and I'm so thankful you are mine.

Love you forever baby girl.

Mom