Little girl you are eleven months old.  Just how did this last year pass by so quickly?  While I wish time didn’t pass so quickly, I have no regrets about this first year of your life.  We have enjoyed our time with you every single day.

You are so funny these days, showing us that you will not be forgotten or pushed around.  By anyone, especially No David.  And how that little boy loves you so.  Last week I caught him on the floor sleeping next to your crib.  I can only assume that he was talking with you until you both crashed.  It makes me smile to see him talk with you, bring you toys, give you food and in general just pay lots of attention to you.  He wants so badly to play with you.  He craves a bit more interaction on your part, patience isn’t really his thing,  yet he doesn’t really like when you mess with things he deems not yours.  When he does something that you don’t like, you are very verbal.

You are learning more each day.  While you aren’t talking yet, (so much for girls talking early in this family!) you chatter to yourself nonstop.  You know how to get our attention and are very deliberate in your chatter.  I realize that you are definitely communicating with me and know what you are “saying”.   For instance, I know when you say: hi, mom, dad, i love you and bottle.  This is huge in our home.

You can now sit up on your own (11/8), a big deal to me.  For whatever reason, I have always loved that move from babies.  Like your brothers, you had to crawl before sitting on your own.

You even pulled yourself up on Mimi’s birthday.  So you’re moving right along, progressing just as you should.  At your own pace, which is just fine to me.

And today, you did it again.  You stared so intently at me.  And you wanted me to know that you were staring at me.  You made some noise to make me look at you.  And your eyes, they were incredible.  So intent, staring into my soul.  How I wish that I could hold you in my arms forever.  I promise I will hold you for as long as you will let me.

Sunshine, I could sit and stare at you all day long.  I know we received the best gift the day you were born.  Truly, you are amazing.  We all think so, especially me!  I love you, dear girl.