ONE WHOLE YEAR

to my sweetest madelyn lee,

i cannot even believe that you are one. it seems like it was just yesterday we were waiting in the delivery room for the moment you were ready to come into the world. when people said "enjoy it, it'll go by fast" they weren't kidding. so often your daddy and i will lay in bed going through the pictures on our phone sharing our favorites. it's hard to believe how little you were when you were born, how quickly you have grown and how much love has filled our hearts. we just love you with every ounce of us. i can't even begin to explain what this past year has been like but i do know one thing, i have never felt more confident knowing that i was meant to be your mommy.

i love what a vocal little lady you are, when you don't like, don't want something you are sure to let it be known. dr. m (your pediatrician) thinks that is a wonderful trait to have as it mean when you grow older you won't be afraid to stand up for what you are. i love how you choose to army crawl your way around, you have gotten quite quick. i love how you will look for our hands and pull up asking to walk around and around and around until our backs are hurting. i love how you babble. i love when you say 'mama' and 'dada.' i love how you get so excited to eat, just like your mama. i love that you are obsessed with your doggies, one day i hope they will be excited to play back. i love how you love to "read" your books, flipping and touching each page. i love how smart you are, how quickly you learn amazes me. i love how sweet you are when you meet a stranger. i love your shy smile. i love your giggle. i love how excited you get when we get home from work, you have the biggest smile that melts us. i love how you gives us kisses without even asking. i love how i sing to you and you clap for me after. i love how when anyone sneezes or coughs, you will imitate them after with a huge smile. i love how we snuggle before i lay you in your crib at night. i love how you rub my back when you're tired. i love how you say "huh" when we talk to you. i love how you dance when you hear music. i love how you love your lovie. i love how you smile and we can see those (seven) tiny teeth. oh how i absolutely love the little baby girl you are, you make it such a blessing to be your mama (and dada.)

it is such a bittersweet feeling knowing a year has come and gone but there's comfort in looking forward to what the future holds. you are the silliest, happiest, sweetest baby girl and we are so thankful you are ours.

i love you the moon and back my sweet baby girl

love, your mommy (and daddy) 
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will be back to share details of madelyn's first birthday par-tay