A Year Ago Today...

Sweet Ella,

A year ago today you came into our family. I remember every single detail as if it was happening this very minute. You were perfect. Your arrival was beautiful. The room was quiet and still. Daddy took you to the couch and held you and gazed into your eyes. You were calm and quiet. It was a beautiful sunny fall morning and we had a spectacular view from the delivery room. You made your debut at 7:34 a.m. and you weighed 7lbs, 14oz and were 21 1/4 in long. We were surprised you were so much bigger than your sister.

You had the chubbiest cheeks. You make my heart skip a beat. I have loved you since the day I found out you were in my belly and I still look at you daily and cannot believe how lucky we are to have you.

Your sister couldn't wait to meet you. She loves you so much and you simply adore her. This was her very first glimpse of you.

She immediately bent down and kissed you lightly on the forehead.

Our very first family photo.

There's no way to express the amount of love we have for both of you. One day you may both become mommies and then you will know what Mommy is talking about.

You are amazing baby girl. You are 1 year old today. A whole year. I cannot believe you are growing up so quickly. You are starting to be spunky like your sister. You love to sneak up the stairs. You are walking steadily now. You walk like Frankenstein. You weigh about 23 pounds. You are tall. You giggle. You dance (and it is hysterical). You give bear hugs. You are cuddly. You love to nurse. You love yogurt and water. You love playing with toys and with your sister. You say "CkCk" for cat, and "Ma" for Mommy, and "Duhduhduhduhduhduhduh" for Daddy, and "Bubee" for baby, and "Bah" for bye, "Hiiii" for hi. You clap and wave. You love dogs and animals in general and get very excited when you see them. You are absolutely amazing and we are so proud to be your Mommy and Daddy.

Happy Birthday sweet girl.