Happy 1st Birthday Allie!

Sweet, sweet Allison Grace, you are one year old today!!

Daddy and I were just reminiscing about your entry into this world. Yours was a very easy (although still painful) labor and delivery, and our world became sweeter the moment you arrived.

Your birth was uncomplicated, and the first year of your life has followed the precedent you set.

You have been such an 'easy' baby, Allie. You have always taken your naps well, and once we moved into Grandma's house, you started sleeping through the night (you were 5 months old). You have always given us your sweet smiles readily, and it doesn't take much to get you to laugh. And Allie, your laugh...it is one of the most beautiful sounds we know. This last year has had a lot of changes for us, but your ready smile and your laughter have brought much unbridled joy into our sometimes chaotic world.

Allie, you are, pure and simple, a joy. When we drop you off at the nursery for church, or MOPS, the workers are always happy to see you. They know that you are an easygoing baby, and bring them much happiness. Whenever we pick you up, we are greeted with big smiles from both you and the nursery workers. We know that they have really enjoyed their time with you. Sometimes we even hear stories of your funny antics. One time we picked you up, and they said "Your baby makes funny faces! She's been making us laugh this whole time!" (This was when you liked to make 'piggy' faces...and you even made a little snorting sound to go along with them). Another time, I picked you up after MOPS and the workers said "Allie is such a joy...and she does something we've never seen before. She 'walks' around on her knees!!" Yes, sweet Allie...you bring joy wherever you go.

While it has been a year filled with major changes and big moves, you have taken it all in stride. You started sleeping through the night the 2nd night of living at Grandma's house. You started crawling the night of our 'going away' party in Colorado. You handled the move like a pro, and took advantage of the room at Amy's house to perfect your new found crawling abilities.

You started standing up at Amy's house, and it was at her house that you crawled up the stairs for the first time.

Shortly after we moved into this house that we're renting, you started your 'knee-walking'. We have no doubt that you could walk on your feet if you wanted to...you stand up well, and can take a step or two when you want to, but you get wherever you want to go on your knees, so we don't think you're in a rush to walk upright. That's okay with us...we know it won't be long until your sweet 'knee-walking' is just a memory.

Yes, sweetheart, in your first year of life, we have moved 3 times. And we have at least one more move to go in the next year. We're not worried about your adapting, though. You just make yourself at home wherever we are. You know that your home is where daddy, mommy, and Becca are.

Speaking of Becca...she is your big sister, and you simply adore her. If you wake up from your afternoon nap before Becca does, sometimes you sit outside her door and fuss until I open the door and let you in.

Becca is someone special to you. And this is a great thing. She is your sister, and hopefully someday she will be your best friend as well. It is so precious to us (mommy and daddy) to see the love that is already growing between the two of you. You are just now starting to 'play' together, and the sound of the two of you laughing together is so...incredible. We are so thankful that you have each other.

I am so blessed to be able to stay home and take care of you. To witness your milestones myself, and to spend as much time with you as possible.

There is so much more I want to say, but I will save that for another time. Just know that you are loved. To the moon and back!

Here are some of my favorite pictures from the last year.....

This was taken when you were 4 days old. You used to love to sit in your baby seat and just watch the way our family goes about our days. You usually did this with a cup of tea (courtesy of Becca) in your lap.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!! This was also Becca's 2nd birthday. You were ready to celebrate both with your fancy green headband!


This picture always makes me smile. You were about 3 months old, and you look like such a 'hipster' in this picture. You're stylin'!!

Here is one of your first precious smiles. I still can't see your smile without letting it light up my face as well.

Here you are at 4 months-while we were still living in the townhouse.


This was taken after the first time you rolled from your back to your tummy on your own.

Here you are learning how to sit up. Look how flexible you are!

I love this expression. It is so Allie. This was taken at Grandma's house. Look how well you're sitting now!


Your first trip to the beach!! During the summer, we took a road trip to Michigan, and went to Lake Michigan with your Aunt, Uncle, and cousins. You were content to just watch from our blanket.

Taking over Papa's chair. You're all set!


Eh?

Getting into mischief at Grandma's house. And proud of it too, I would say!

Here you go!! You loved the open space at Amy's house to master your new found method of transportation. There's no stopping you now!

Your first 'ponytail'. I think you look like a really cute sumo wrestler.

Your first bath in the big tub. And with Becca!

The first time you stood up!

Here's your first Halloween. You were Piglet to Becca's JoJo.

Your first Christmas Eve. We spent it at the house we're renting...

Happy 1st Birthday Allie Grace!!!