"One-der-ful -- ONE"

Today, you turn 1. It amazes me to look at you and realize how much you have grown and changed over the past year. Every milestone you reach and every new experience that delights you puts a smile on my face. I simply love to watch your eager mind. There is so much for you to encounter these days. You're intrigued by everything. Yet, just one short year ago, you were a beautiful, healthy, newborn baby asleep in my arms. A year has brought so much change, so many smiles, and so many tears (good and bad). It's hard to believe that just one short year ago we waited so patiently for you to join our family. In the past year, you have made me love you even more than I thought possible! My love for you grows each and every day. Just when I thought I couldn't love any more, I love you even more! My heart melts when you look me in the eyes and I hear your soft voice say, “mom." In the past year, you have taught me an abundance of patience. We snuggle (though a lot less than we used to), we cuddle (again a LOT less than we used to), and we play together. Your love for me is evident and that alone makes my heart sing. There is nothing quite like a mom/daughter relationship and there is a definite bond that is distinct and undeniable. We'll grow into all the good things (and the bad) that come from that relationship as you grow older. You are sooooo busy, always on the go and chattering up a storm. You love what you love and want what you want and nobody stands in your way (well Kanyon does at times but you don’t tolerate it well). You make the silliest faces, always scrunching up your nose and squinting your eyes (my favorite is when you blink like nobody can see you). You are the easiest baby to put down for a nap and bed and will eat anything put in front of your pudgy little face. You climb, scoot, crawl, and take steps to where you feel you need to be. You blow, spit, and play patty cake. You understand the word “No” and repeat it well. You love little people but are leery of adults unless you know them well. You love baths and would stay in the tub long after the water has drained. You hate people in your face and smack them away (again mostly Kanyon). You are so squishy and soft awww it just makes me want to squeeze you all of the time (you hate it). A year! Seems like such a short amount of time. Yet, in a year, you have gone from the fragile, tiny newborn in my arms to the rambunctious, adventurous one year old beauty you are today. All of the milestones and growing in one short year have created so many wonderful memories. It's like a lifetime condensed into 365 days. In that span of time, my life has forever changed. Nothing, no part of me, will ever be the same. You make my life more joyous, you fill it with more laughter, and you make my heart smile more than I ever dreamed possible. I love you more than I ever did before. Happy Birthday, my sweet Kimbree Jo!