to Annabelle on New Years

It's the end of 2014... we're getting all set to say goodbye to a year and welcome a new one and what a year it has been.

You'll notice, I haven't written in a few months. A lot has been happening and it's less about not having anything to say and more about having other things to do and running on little sleep.

You recently went through quite the sleep regression. WHOA. Thankfully, the last week you've been back to your good sleeping ways and I truly hope it continues. We're all happier and functioning better when we sleep.

The change in sleep over the last few months is certainly not the only thing that has changed as far as you're concerned. You've grown, physically and mentally. Actually, you've changed so much in such a short time, sometimes I look at you and wonder where the time is slipping away from.

Sometimes, you say something, you'll say it so perfectly and grown up that I wonder where my baby went and how you've turned into such a brilliant toddler.

You really are amazing.

I brag, of course I brag. Your my daughter and I love you. You're cute and smart but sassy and stubborn. Holy are you smart. We're at the point now we really need to watch what we say because you're picking up things so quickly.

You LOVED LOVED LOVED Christmas and everything that had to do with it. We watched in wonder as you stared in awe at the lights, decorations, the tree. We laughed as you begged to watch Frosty the Snowman AGAIN. We scratched our heads when you came home from daycare knowing the words to numerous Christmas carols (your favs being Jingle Bells, Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer). You opened presents with a curiosity and eagerness that we haven't seen before and you literally delighted in each and every gift.

Watching you grow this past year has been nothing short of miraculous. Being your mom has brought more joy to my life than I could have ever imagined. The ability to see the world through your eyes makes me more and more grateful for so many things.

You, my dear sweet Annabelle, are the most special gift. I truly hope you always feel this love from us, from me, and know, without a doubt, you are a miracle.

Happy New Years my sweet baby girl. Here's to another amazing year xoxo