Dear Andie... You're ONE!!

Dear Andie,

I can't wrap my head around the fact that you are one year old.  This year has passed at an impossible pace, and when I think of those moments, those precious first moments, of holding you for the first time, I am overwhelmed with amazement at what a beautiful little girl you are.  You've developed, changed, grown, thrived and brought an intense amount of joy to our lives.  We look at you everyday and are still blown away that you are our baby.

This last month has brought so many changes, just as each month of this first year of your life has.  You started walking... you took your first steps on May 2nd, and that same day, you were able to go about 10 in a row before wobbling down to your buns.  Each day, you have gained more confidence and are starting to walk more and more often.  We weren't too anxious for you to walk, but I was starting to feel bad that your knees were always red from crawling.

Your personality is really blooming.  One of my favorite things that you do is play peek-a-boo.  You have so much animation and you play at least 20 times a day.  Sometimes you have nothing to hide behind, so you'll just put your chin to your chest and hold it there, then suddenly pop up and look at me with a smile.  It's adorable.  You've also started talking on the phone, with just about any device that looks similar to the phone.  Your little smile lights up when I pick up a phone and say "Hello?  Oh... you want to talk to Andie!"  You've also perfected waving hello and goodbye (which you've been doing for a few months), finger bumping, and high five - ing!  You also know how to "brush" your own hair after watching mama do it.  :)

This month, we took a quick trip to Tahoe with your auntie Juju & Uncle Matt, and your cousin Stella.  You seemed to enjoy it and went on your first bike ride with daddy.  You and Stella are starting to play with each other more and it is so darling to watch.

You are a very happy baby.  When we say "yaaay" you clap your hands with excitement.  You smile all the time, are easy going, and enjoy seeing people and watching your surroundings.  Many people tell me how observant you are.  You aren't afraid to make eye contact and love when people acknowledge you.  You love to share, but are also quick to take it back.  When you are eating, it's adorable because you'll stick your little arm out with a little food in your fingers and offer it to me and dada.  Even squishy and slobbery food tastes good from you.  You are such a sweet heart.

You are wearing lots of 9 month clothes, 6-12 month, and some 12 month.  I know soon you will be transitioning into all 12 month size, and it makes me a little sad.  I can't believe how big you've gotten, although you are still a little peanut.  At the doctor's office, you weighed 18 pounds and are 28 inches long.  You wear size 3 diapers and still only have 2 teeth (your bottom two).  You've slowly started doing a little bit better in the car.  I've made it a few times to Gramz and Pop's house with out you crying in the car, which is always a relief!

Andie, I am so proud of you.  I see your love of the simple things in life and it reminds me daily to stop and enjoy everything about you.  I am in awe of you, and I hope as each year passes you stay true to your heart, believe in yourself, and never doubt your beauty.  My wish for you is that you are kind, caring, and confident.  Don't give up on what you believe in.  And NEVER forget how deeply you are loved.  You, my beautiful daughter, are the best thing to ever happen to me.  Thank you for making me a mom, and giving me this wonderful year.  It's been the best and I didn't take a single day for granted!

I love you,
Mama