To Our Sweet Angel

My Darling Avery,

In some ways, I can't believe it's been a year already; in other ways, I feel like you've been in our lives forever.  You fit so seamlessly into our family, you truly belong.    

I'll never forget the day you were born and the instant connection I had with you.  We seemed to bond immediately and that bond has only grown stronger.  It didn't seem tough or exhausting those first few days, it was just perfectly perfect.  I loved holding you close and I must have stared at you with a smile on my face for hours on end.   

If I could pick one word to describe you it would be 'sweet' -- because you are just that.  So sweet.  Your expressions, your demeanor, your interactions with others... all so sweet.  But you are also smart, funny, curious, and mischievious.

At one year old,

• You love to climb up steps.  We don't have any in our house, but you can't wait to get to them at your grandparent's houses.  You giggle as you crawl quickly towards them, hoping no one saw to come and stop you.
• You love to go for walks.  Sometimes you sit forward so precariously, curiously looking at all that's going on.  Sometimes you lounge back so far with both arms behind your head that I feel like I should be fanning you and feeding you grapes.
• You love to play in the water, whether its bathtime, a pool, Rufus' water bowl, or the toilet.
• You give sweet kisses (which luckily have been mostly kisses lately and you've learned to stop sneaking in a quick bite that you find so hilarious)
• Your favorite dance move is to wave one arm back and forth, with a big grin on your face.
• Your favorite foods are blueberries, pears, and macaroni and cheese (any pasta really).  But you want some of whatever every once else is having and you grunt and point stubbornly until we get you some of whatever that is.  
• You love to play peek-a-boo.  And you are quite the entertainer.  Just when we aren't expecting it, you try and make us all laugh.. whether its a towel or plate on your head, or blowing raspberries.. you make us smile all the time 
• You have started taking steps.  You aren't quite walking yet, but you are so thrilled with yourself whenever you get moving on your two legs. 
• You sleep so peacefully and almost 12 hours a night. (Thank you!)
• You look so pretty in pink :)  And I have loved dressing you up!  You have started taking out your pigtails and bows…I knew that would happen some day, but I was thinking, oh I don't know, maybe around 17 or so years from now? :)  One day you may roll your eyes at me or be embarrassed by pictures, but be thankful you were my second child or it would have been WAY worse.
• You are so laid back, easy-going and just go with the flow (you must get that from your dad!).  I have a hard time coming up with your 'dislikes' because there isn't much you strongly dislike.  You rarely object to things or your surroundings.  You make the best of the situation you are in and can be happy just about anywhere. 
• You are a shy girl.  You are a different person when you are around familiar places and faces than around a crowd.  Whereas your brother jumps right in to a crowd and quickly steals the show, you seem to want to take it all in and stay close to your mom until you adjust.  But once someone has earned your trust, your personality just glows. 
• You are so in love with your brother.  Your biggest smiles are at him and your hardest laughs are shared with him.  He lights up your world and you do the same for him.  You want to be involved with whatever each other are doing.  I love seeing the bond you two have.  You are very lucky to have a brother like Rudy.  Though he beats up on you at times, you are one tough cookie.  And speaking of brothers, you've got another one coming... lucky you!  How are we going to handle two brothers??  We will have to figure it out together, Sis..
• Your dad is so good to you and always will be, he is the best dad in the whole world.  He is smitten by you (and I'm sure one day you will use that to your advantage).  You are always so excited to see him and some of your favorite times are spent playing with him on the living room floor.    

I want you to know that I am so lucky to know you.  And rock you to sleep and tuck you in every night.  And see your big beautiful smile every morning. 

I want you to know that being smart, kind, and generous are more important than anything else.  You don't need to be pretty or funny or popular or skinny or good at sports.  You just need to be you.  And whatever you that is, your Dad and I will always, always love you unconditionally.  And we promise to always do whatever we can to support you and help you along whatever path you choose in life.. we are your biggest fans and always will be.  

I want you to know that family is most important.  You are surrounded by family and friends that will support you through life and be there when you need them most.  And when you need them the least, they are still going to be around.  So get used to it and be thankful.  Because there is no greater thing than the love from family and friends.    

You are my very favorite little girl in the entire world. My very favorite. I thank God every day that He chose your dad I to be you and Rudy's parents and watch you grow because you bring so much joy and love into our lives.  I've loved this past year with you and your brother.  You two and your dad are the greatest things in my life and I am so blessed to have you as my family.      

My whole life I've dreamed of having a little girl and you've already exceeded my expectations in so many ways.  I'm so proud to be your mom.  I cherish our time together and I look forward to everything that's to come. 

And as I tell you brother:

I'll love you forever,

I'll like you for always,

As long as I'm living

my baby you'll be.

-Robert Munsch

Happy birthday, little girl.  I love you more than words can express.

Love,
Mom

Avery,

Happy Birthday to the sweetest girl on the earth!  I cannot believe you are already one.  You have been the best baby in the world.  You are our little angel.  Words cannot describe how much we love you and how perfect you fit into our lives.  Every morning I see you it makes me thank God for our angel, I don’t know what we did to deserve such a sweet little girl but we are blessed. 

You were born into a crazy house and every day you have taken it on like a champ!  You adore your big brother Rudy so much and he too loves you.  Everything he has you want, everything he eats you want, everything he plays with you want.   You play with everything from basketballs to dolls.  Everything makes you happy and you are content with anything as long as there are people around.

You have grown into being mammas little girl.  But who can blame you.  You have the best mom ever and have her beautiful looks as well.  You love her so much because she takes such good care of you and Rudy.  I can't say enough about your mom and how much effort she puts in at being a mom.  She is the best mom and you take after her by being the best baby. 

There are so many special memories that I have of you so far.  But most of all its your beautiful smile and laugh.  You light up the room with your smile.  I hope you always have that great smile and laugh all throughout your life and bring joy to everyone you meet.  Most of all you bring me such joy and happiness.  I count my blessings everyday that God sent me a angel named Avery.  I love you and have a wonderful birthday!!!

Love, Dad

P.S.  You have a little brother on the way and I expect you to help mom take care of him, and I know you will.