Today you are one...

To my sweet Sophia,

I've started to type this letter many times, but every time I start typing, I hit the backspace key and delete because the words just seem so small and unworthy, but I'll try my best love, here it goes...

Today you turn 1, today you are no longer a "baby", but a toddler instead. This first year has gone by in a flash, but it has been the best year of my life. Not always the easiest, but the best nonetheless. I remember the moment the doctor told me "it's a girl!", I had been waiting 20 long weeks to find out! As soon as I heard those 3 little words, I instantly started crying, I just couldn't believe it. I was stunned because I thought for sure you would be a boy, but low and behold, I got my girl. A daughter I have always dreamed of having. It truly was one of the happiest moments of my life, a moment permantly etched into my memory.

The instant I saw your face, it was love at first sight. I remember seeing you and actually gasping because I was in such awe of your beauty. They placed you in my arms and I was able to kiss the sweet face that I yearned to see for 9 long months. I looked at you and thanked God for giving me such a perfect and precious gift. Nothing else in the world mattered at that second, it felt like it was just the three of us in the room. Our perfect little family, just the way it was always meant to be. My heart was overflowing with love.

Now that you are a year old, you are developing your own little personality. You have the cutest little quirks, I love it. You know what you like and don't like that's for sure. I have a feeling you are going to be strong willed just like your momma. You love people and animals so much. We can't go to a store without you smiling and waving to everyone in sight. I love that about you. You squeal with excitement anytime you see an animal and try to kiss them if they let you. Not the most sanitary thing, but hey whatever makes you happy! Oh and your laugh, you are the most smiley, giggly kid I have ever met. You have been that way since the day you cracked your first smile. Such a happy, care-free girl, stay that way as long as you can love.

You aren't walking just yet, but that's ok with me! All in good time, we are in no rush. You are finally calling for me, I've waited almost 12 months for this. If I walk into another room, there you are crawling after me saying "muma, muma" I love it. You aren't saying much of anything else yet, but you babble incessantly. Literally, all.day.long, you never stop. You have the sweetest little voice, we have conversations throughout the day. They're some of the best conversations I've ever had. I just fall more and more in love with you every day!

You changed me forever lovebug and I have no words to describe just how happy I am you are mine. Afterall, it was you who made me a mommy, my greatest accomplishment of all. From you I have learned how to be a better person, have more patience and love unconditionally. I am a better person because of you and I look forward to a lifetime of experiences together. Always follow your heart and dream big lovebug. Shoot beyond the stars, for there is nothing out of your reach. Thank you for bringing such joy and laughter to our lives, Daddy and I love you more than we ever thought possible. Happy 1st Birthday mi amor.

Love Mommy

"I carry your heart with me(I carry it in my heart)"- E.E. Cummings