To my sweet cheeks on your 1st birthday

Dear sweet Ava-
Where does the time go? I remember the day we found out we were expecting you. Very shocked but pleasantly suprised. I can remember the day you were born as if it were yesterday. You were a tiny little thing (4 lbs 10oz) but very eager to get out and see the world. It was love at first sight. Your brother loved on you so much and showered you with sugars. You had daddy wrapped around your finger. The first couple months were tough and left us yearning for sleep but we didn't care. What a bundle of joy we had. Two precious babies to love and care for.

You bring a smile to my face everytime I go to get you out of bed. You always wake standing up in your crib laughing and giggling, arms flying everywhere. Sometimes I sneak you into our bed if you are too fussy to fall back asleep. You are sometimes a snuggler but most of the time you just want to play and wrestle with dad.

I love how you and your brother play together. With being only 17 months apart I hope you grow to be the best of friends. He is so protective of you and watches out for you. He lets me know when you get into things you are not supposed to and has never had a jealous bone in his body when it comes to you. For this we are forever grateful. Watching you two together has brought great joy to me. I love that I am able to stay home with you and watch you grow. Sometimes it goes by too fast. One minute you were laying in my arms fast asleep, the next you are taking steps learning how to walk.

I love how you make your funny faces and it's as if you know we are looking at you. You love to shop, wrestle with brother and dad, play in the water, push anything you can get your hands on, any kind of food but mostly pankcakes and cheerios, bathtime, being thrown in the air, playing with your brother's toys when he isn't looking, our morning walks, there are just too many things to list.

I am so grateful you came into our lives. We can't imagine life without you. My dear sweet Ava. I love you so much. Happy 1st birthday baby doll!

Love,
Mom