Happy First Birthday, Makaela!

Dear Makaela,

Today is your FIRST BIRTHDAY! Holy cow, so much has changed in the past year.

On this day last year, you were swaddled tightly in a hospital blanket with a knit cap on your head. You spent most of the day sleeping and I had to wake you so you would eat. I wondered when you would learn to sit up, crawl, and walk. What would be your first word? We lived in Washington.

Today you wore an adorable spring dress with a ponytail in your hair. You spent most of the day following me around, playing outside on the back patio and snacking on grapes. I wonder when you'll start using a spoon on your own and if you'll like whole milk. What will be your favorite song? We live in Alabama now.

You've taught me so much over the past year. I've never smiled so much or laughed at such silly things. Daddy and I love singing songs with you, reading books, and playing ball. Nothing beats chasing you around and "gitting you" or watching you pester the dogs.

I can already see a glimpse of the little lady you are becoming and I am so proud. You are sweet, silly, sassy, smart and beautiful. To me you are perfection.

I hope one day you read this blog and can smile at all the fun moments we've shared and the memories we've made.

You are forever my baby girl and you make my heart complete.

Dear Makaela,

Dear Makaela aka No-Nap-Nancy,

I'm flattered that you think mama is so cool that you want to spend ALL day with me, but here's the thing...you need to nap. I know I tell you all the time that you are a big girl, however, you are technically still a baby, and babies nap. I know, I know. You've got a long to-do list that involves  throwing food at the dogs, smearing snot on the windows and pulling books off the shelves, but I assure you there are still plenty enough hours in the day to terrorize the house.

When you don't nap you turn into a bit of a crank-a-saurus. I try to kiss and cuddle the crankies out, but you, sassy-pants, have other plans. See those horns?

And instead of being your usually happy, smiley, hyper-waving self at the grocery store, you mean-mug everybody...

And mama? Yeah, I go a little crazy, to put things mildly.

Take it from someone older and (presumably) wiser....naps are heaven on earth. Snuggling up in the middle of the day with a soft blankey and stuffed animal? Come on. That's the life. 

Give me an hour and I will pay you in crackers. I find no shame in bribery. 

So please, please, please for the love of you mother's sanity, rest those beautiful baby blues. 

Love you always (even when you're a whine-o-ceros),

Mom

There's nothing sweeter...

There's nothing sweeter than....

Your baby girl staring into your eyes

Your baby girl gripping your finger with her little hand

Your baby girl reaching out in her sleep just to make sure you're still snuggling her

Your baby girl delicately petting your chest while she tries to fall asleep

Your baby girl nestled on her daddy's chest with her arms wrapped around him

Such an innocent little peanut, comforted by our love. It makes our hearts melt. You can see it when you look into her eyes that she trusts we will always take care of her, and she's right.

Mommy and Daddy love you today and everyday Makaela. You are breathtaking and our life is more beautiful with you in it.