For My Birthday Girl

My dear sweet little Gracie,

   It hardly seems fair that this year has gone by so fast! I feel as though I blinked and you grew up and turned into this beautiful, smart, stubborn little girl. Not that you weren't always those things, but even more so now.

   It seems like it was just yesterday that I woke up with contractions and after 9 months of waiting I couldn't wait another minute to finally see your little face, and hold your little hand. You had your own time line though and made me wait 11 more hours! That was fine though, because after those long 11 hours I did finally get to hold you in my arms. I got to see your beautiful face and hold your little hand. I loved you from the time I found out you were coming and even more so when I finally got to meet you. I still don't understand how your Dad and I could possibly create someone so beautiful!

   
   You are such a great joy and blessing in my life. I thought I knew what love was before I met you, but I obviously didn't because when you came into my life I felt love so strong that I have never felt before. I want you to always remember how much I love you, because no matter how old you get you will always be my baby girl.

   You have always been ahead of your self in growing up. You are just so smart you can't seem to help it. Doing things months before you should be able to. Learning and growing at alarming rates. You have made it pretty darn easy to be your Mom. If only we could have got the sleeping thing down before you were 6 months old! 

   I have enjoyed every second of this year. Watching you discover new things, and the excitement in your eyes in doing so. I wouldn't have a missed a minute of it for the world. Watching you learn how to smile, start babbling, eat solids for the first time, first tooth, learning to crawl, first word, and now learning to walk. You have done and learned so many things and it is amazing to me how you went from this helpless little baby to a little person who can walk, feed herself, and say some words.

     I'm not sure I will ever get used to you getting older and learning all these new things. One that is for sure though; that I will enjoy and cherish watching and helping you along the way.  You have a big huge fan club. So many people that love you and will always be here for you, no matter what. You Daddy and I love you more than you can ever know. Your Grandparents, your aunts and uncles and friends. 

   Thank you for joining this family and giving your Dad and I the greatest blessing in life, of being your parents. We have enjoyed the past year so much. We love waking up every morning and seeing your beautiful face. Hearing you giggle, and tell us your sweet stories every day. You make us laugh so much and give the greatest hugs and kisses we have ever had. I can't wait to get to know you even more over the years and watch you grow. I just have one request, could you please stop growing so fast? Just slow down a little. Please? For me? 
Happy birthday to my beautiful, sweet, funny 1 year old.