letters to sunday: first birthday

Sweet girl,

9:16am... exactly one year ago you were placed into my arms. It was a moment that changed our lives for the BEST.

My sweet, smiley, snuggly girl. How do I say how wonderful you are without talking in circles and repeating everything I've ever said about you? :) You are my favorite little person in this whole world. You were the perfect addition to our family and you made this last year the best of our lives.

It's so crazy now... how much you communicate and understand us. It's like it happened overnight. You turned 11 months old and suddenly you understood everything we were saying. Here we are, one month later, and you don't miss a thing!

If there is something nearby to help you balance, you are standing on your feet. You love to walk around while holding onto furniture and every now and then you let go and try it on your own! Before we know it, you will be walking!

You say "Bye Bye" now with the cutest little wave! So that was officially your first word! You also say Dada and a couple of people SWEAR you have said their names (Aiden and Soda Pop!). So fun. :) We practice Mama and Grandma a LOT.

Now that you can sign you are constantly - and I mean constantly - signing to nurse. If you see your mama, you crawl right over to me look up at me and sign "more!" Which means "Pick me up and nurse me please!" It's probably the one thing that drives me a little batty. I find myself hiding from you sometimes so I don't have to tell you "no." Because that is your least favorite word in the world. And really, honey, you simply cannot eat all. day. long!

I finally finished your birth slideshow - almost a year to the day you were born. Looking back through those pictures now is a completely different experience than looking at them soon after your birth. I know that little baby now... I recognize those familiar expressions you had even at just a few minutes old. I hope one day you will watch it and see the wonderful experience we had bringing you into this world!

Have I mentioned how snuggly you are? You love ANYTHING soft and fluffy and it is the most precious thing to watch you squeeze and nuzzle your blankets or stuffed animals! And almost every time I pick you up you take a moment to lay your head on my shoulder... even if you are just giving me a little hug before you pull back and ask to "Nurse, please." Gosh, I adore you!

You are completely into 12 month clothing now... the onesies are worn less often and real shirts and jeans are worn more often. You are growing up!

You were so super behaved at your first birthday party! I pretty much expected that because you love to people watch so much I knew you would be completely content even if you were completely exhausted at the same time! Oh and you LOVED your birthday cake! Well, mostly you liked the whipped cream icing, but that was to be expected!

As I type, you are napping away after playing in your crib with some books. This week you started falling asleep on your own, peacefully and quietly, when laid in your crib with a few toys. It's a whole new world for us and we both seem to really enjoy it. :)

When you wake we are going out for your birthday! Your Aunt Carrie and Uncle Zac are here (which is appropriate since they were like two of four people who had to miss your party) and we are going to spoil you all day!

Happy Birthday beautiful angel! You are the light of our lives... have I already mentioned that?!

All pictures in this post were taken by my friend Heather at Visions By Heather Photography.

letters to sunday | you make me a better person

Dearest Sunday,

My girl... my heart overflows with adoration and love for you. You have brought such joy to our family. I am happier now than I have ever been... you make me a better person. In completely random order, here are the things your presence has changed in my everyday life:

1. I don't sit on my computer all day anymore. I actually get up and clean the house and *gasp* I have even mowed the lawn a few times this summer!
2. I exercise more.
3. I drink more water. (Breastfeeding requires it!)
4. I cherish the little things. I know these moments with you are fleeting so I deliberately take the time to pause and appreciate the time we have together right now. I especially am loving the moments together while you are eating. Your curl your little knees up and snuggle into my lap. It's the sweetest time and I hope we continue to enjoy breastfeeding for a long time.
5. I think your dad is more attractive than ever. I can't help it. Watching him ask for you and interact with you makes my heart jump for joy - you have helped our love for each other grow even deeper.
6. I am slowly learning better time management. Slowly. With your help, I take a few steps forward (and one step back) on a regular basis. I thought planning was a positive thing in the past... now it is a requirement! And that's a very good thing for us.
7. The phrase "this too shall pass" is a new mantra in my life. Whether "this" is good or bad, I am learning that what may feel like my whole entire world flipping upside down is really just a small hiccup in our days or weeks.
8. I don't have the energy to be dramatic about little things anymore. When people ask me "how are you?" My answer is a quick "Really good!" these days. In the past I'd pause and try to find something worth complaining about. I just don't have time anymore. I like it this way!
9. Since you now want to eat anything you see me eating, I am making better diet choices. For the both of us.
10. You motivate me every day. To make better choices, to pray more, and to appreciate life more.

Oh this list will grow and grow in the coming years. Life with you is a little piece of heaven on earth and I am so very grateful for it.

xoxox, Mama