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

I love who you are right now

I needed to write you today.

One, because I don't do it nearly enough.

Two, because I know I will feel this way a number of times in the future (because I already have felt this way) but I needed to say: I just love who you are right now.

I will always love you. Always. But there are bound to be ages/stages that I adore. This is one.

You're almost 18 months. 18 months?! I can't believe that. In such a short time I have come to know and love you more than as if I had known you my lifetime and then some.

You are a little girl now. My little tiny baby is gone and a little girl has emerged. This little person who continues to grown and astound me each and every day.

I am biased, but I know that you're brilliant. You look at the world with such wonder and curiosity and you pick it all up. You repeat everything but you're not just repeating, you know.

On the way home tonight, after you had finished your granola bar, you ever-so-sweetly said "momma, more granola bar please". I smiled, and silently giggled at your brilliance. Not many 18 month olds say sentences that make sense, let alone make sure to use their manners.

Initially, I explained we had no more. You said "no" and then whined a little and then repeated your polite request.

I don't like to give in to you all of the time but I caved this time.

I write this to you so you know just how much I delight in you but also so I don't forget.

Watching your personality grow, seeing you become your own little person, it's seriously the most amazing thing I have ever been witness to.

You're kind, sweet and so smart. You make sure to say goodnight to Lilo and the fishies. You randomly give Lilo pets throughout the day. You LOVE to help me do anything but particularly move the laundry from the washer to the dryer. It takes so much longer but the look of pride on your face when we're finished is worth ALL the extra time and them some.

I hope you'll always enjoy helping me, even half that much.

You don't let me put you to bed right now, not if daddy's home. I let it hurt my feelings at first, but the genuine hugs and kisses you give me before he takes you up serves as a reminder to me, that you love me, but sometimes a little girl needs her daddy. I take sincere comfort knowing you have an amazing bond with your daddy and I know his heart glows when you'll only go to sleep for him. It might not always be this way, so we both have to enjoy it for what it is.

Lastly, because this could go on forever, you have the BEST laugh. It's cute and sometimes kind of sneaky and it never EVER fails to bring a smile to my face. You need to know, that so many times a day your dad and I will both see or hear you do something super cute and we both just look at each other with such love. I'm sure we're both thinking "could she be any cuter?". We are so blessed to be witness to all you're showing up. You made us parents almost 18 months ago and  you've taught us was true love is every minute of the way.

I love you sweet girl...

update in pictures!

Summer has come to an end. It's still warm out, but the start of September always feels to me like the end of the summer.

I can't even begin to tell you all of the fun we have had, all of the laughs we've shared, and how much you continue to fill our lives with happiness.

You're wonderfully curious and intelligent. Your language/speech is beyond advanced. You're singing the alphabet, twinkle twinkle, row row row your boat and a few others. You literally surprise us regularly with things you're learning, that we don't realize we've taught you. Like the other day, after daddy sneezed and you said "bless you" without any prompting.

Anyways, because I've been a poor letter-writer, I'm going to SHOW you what our summer has looked like!

Enjoy baby girl xo