Emily at One Year Old

Dear Emmy Lou,

My sweet spunky baby girl, I can't believe you are no longer a baby but a toddler.  I have learned so much from you this year.  You've taught me that I need to let go of my plans.  It was you who decided you wanted out a little early, much earlier than I had hoped.  You've helped me to be positive and look for the best in life.  When it seemed like you and your brother would be in the NICU forever, you decided that you had had enough and took out your feeding tube and never went back.  It was a gift to have you home on my birthday and to have a little glow worm to take care of when I was missing your brother.  We joked that they sent us home with the easier one first, little did we know what a personality you have.  I've learned to be on my toes.  You are a quick little girl and you get into everything!  I'm constantly trying to be one step ahead of you. You've taught me to be protective and when I need to give you a little shove.  There was a time this year when the world was a scary place for you.  Noises were terrifying.  I learned that sometimes it is best to protect you from those scary things instead of forcing you to face them when you're not ready.  You may never be a fan of public bathrooms or automatic flush toilets or having strangers get too close.  I also learned that not everything is scary and that we would never know if we didn't try.  You love to be out with lots of people.  You were more mad about me trying to cover your ears when the cannon went off at the CSU game then you were about the noise.  You love watching daddy's basketball games and the commotion of the crowd.  Lastly, I've learned that there is so much more than I will learn as you grow into a little girl.

Emily you are a bright light in a room.  People gravitate to you and your sparkling personality.  You make everyone smile with your little smirk and infectious giggle.  You are daring, even when I'd rather you not be.  (Like climbing on top of things... I'm worried about the climbing.)  You aren't afraid to fall down.  We rarely need to guess what you want or need. You are sure to let us know.You also can be very quiet and serious.  You like to sit and look at books or to figure out how a toy works.  I love to watch your mind work and grow. 

I can't wait to see what this next year brings.  Happy First Birthday Baby Girl!

Love,
Mama