Celebrating you

Happy Birthday Brooklyn Grace! You are officially one year old, you're a toddler. I'm not quite sure who decided that one was no longer a baby, because even though you have grown so much you are still very much my baby. It is crazy to think that this time one year ago you were about to make your debut into the world. All five pounds and thirteen glorious ounces of you. Technically you came a week early, though the 26 hours of labor totally made up for that. I remember when they first laid you on my chest I was in shock. You were so tiny. I just kept thinking, so tiny yet so mighty. This was what made those big kicks? This baby caused all that morning sickness? This teeny tiny baby created SO much joy? Your dad and I just looked at each other over you and smiled. He gave me the sweetest kiss and then he looked at you and really took you in. The love in his eyes was the most beautiful thing, it was so pure and so deep. He still looks at you that way, and it still brings the happiest tears to my eyes. It's funny that I didn't cry right away. Most moms said they cried as soon as their baby was placed on their chest. I had to take in your perfection first. But don't worry, those tears they came. They still come. I will cry over you for the rest of your life. Tears of joy, tears of thankfulness, sometimes tears of frustration, but always always tears of love.

All parents know that the first year is a blur and it just flies right by. I am so very thankful that I have been able to stay home with you and embrace every little moment. I couldn't imagine having to miss a single second. This might seem silly to you, but I thought I would recap a normal day for us. I don't want to forget anything about this year. I love the way you're so sleepy and sweet in the morning. You always have the brightest smile on your face. We laugh at how it takes you a while to get your balance, so you usually tip over the first time you sit up. Then you crawl over to me and nuzzle your head on my chest. The first word out of your mouth is always Daisy. You are crazy about your puppy. I love sitting on the kitchen counter and eating our breakfast together. The way your eyes light up and you shake your booty when Doc McStuffins comes on. Your morning nap is always a battle of the wills, somedays you win and somedays I do. We get dressed after our nap but before lunch. You hate the process of getting dressed, you would much rather be naked, but you are quite the fashionista. Lunch is usually eaten in my lap or on the couch, sometimes both. In the afternoon we play blocks and read books, sometimes we run errands or go shopping. You're still taking a second nap during the day, usually its around 4pm. After the second nap you help me cook dinner. You go into your drawer in the kitchen and get out spoons and bowls while I'm at the stove. Sometimes your venture off independently, whether it's to chase Daisy or just play with your toys. Your daddy gets home before dinner and you just love to see him come through that door. Your usually go racing off to meet him, crawling along with a block in each hand, saying "dada dada dada". After we eat dinner we head up to bath. You are such a water baby, you have always loved bath time. You usually spend 30 minutes in there. Then we do lotion and books, and crawl into bed. Some days you go down easily, some days I think you'll never go to sleep. Each day ends with me thankful that I got to spend it with you though.

You are so funny and so kind. You make friends everywhere we go. Everyone comments on what a sweet and happy girl you are, and they're right you are always smiling and laughing. You are brave and independent. You are tiny yet so mighty.

Last night we sat in your room and nursed in your rocker. I couldnt help but think about when we first brought you home. I remember sitting in that very same rocker with you all curled up barely bigger than my hands,  and thinking about how very tiny you looked in that room. Now your arms and legs hang over the sides of the rocker, and the room feels so small compared to you. It's crazy how much changes in a year.

In one year you have grown by leaps and bounds. In one year you have taught me true life lessons. I cannot wait to see what you can do with the many more years ahead of you.

Brooklyn Grace thank you so very much for giving me the best year of my life. Happy Birthday beautiful girl.