Tuesday, April 28, 2015

A Letter to my Daughter on her First Birthday

My Sweet Avery,

Just like that, a year has gone by and you are now one year old! Even though you'll always be my baby, you're technically a toddler now. Cue the tears! Your birthday is a little emotional for me. Last night I rocked you to sleep, just as I always do, but it was hard to put you in your crib knowing that you would be one the next day! You were so sweet sleeping in my arms and sucking fiercely on your binky. Turning one is just another reminder of how fast you're growing. I love each stage that you grow to, but of course I miss the stage you leave behind as well. It's a very bittersweet moment for me.


It happens in the blink of an eye. It's so true what they say... "the days are long but the years are short". I know that won't change either. Before long you'll be starting Kindergarten, getting your drivers license, going to your Senior prom and then going off to college. Everyone tells me how fast it goes and I'm beginning to realize they aren't joking. So, I try to savor these moments with you, my sweet princess.


You are a momma's girl for sure and don't like me to be out of your sight. Some days that drives me crazy, but I know before long you'll want your independence and I'll miss you holding on to my legs as I try to put dishes away and get stuff done around the house.


 Your birthday makes me think back to a year ago. I was so excited to be meeting my sweet girl and when I saw you for the first time, I couldn't help but fall instantly in love with you. You were the most beautiful baby I had ever seen and when they laid you on my chest and your crying ceased, well, it still makes me tear up just thinking about it. Those first few days spent in the hospital, holding you in my arms and having you sleep on my chest are moments I will never forget.


 Though, this day makes me realize how fast time truly flies, I am also so filled with joy to see you growing healthy and more beautiful every day. This last year has been amazing with you. You are such a sweet and spunky little girl and my heart just about explodes when I go into your room in the morning and you smile so big when you see me. Or when I get home from work in the evening and you come running as fast as your little legs will take you, waving and saying hi to me! You have no idea how happy that makes me!


As much as I want you to stay little forever, a part of me can't wait til you start dance class, til we take you on your first trip to Disney World and I can't wait to take you to get your little nails done. I can't wait til you to start loving princess movies, tea parties and dress-up! As much as I will miss my sweet baby Avery, I am really looking forward to sweet little girl Avery. I hope and pray you and I will have an amazing relationship like I have with my mom and I can't wait to see the beautiful woman you become. But for now, I'm holding on tight to you, my sweet little girl, and celebrating this last year. I pray that you continue to grow healthy and strong and that you always know how loved you are. I pray that God continues to watch over you and keep you safe and that one day you will feel him close to you and know He is with you always.

So today, I celebrate you Avery. You are a dream come true and I love you to pieces!
Happy Birthday beautiful girl!
-Love Mommy
xoxo

Happy First Birthday Avery!

Happy Birthday to the most amazing...


adorable...


smart...


funny...


sweet...


 spunky...


curious...


 loveable...


 and extraordinary little girl!!


Avery, 
You stole my heart a year ago today, and I've only grown to love you more and more with every passing day! You bring me unmeasurable joy and I feel incredibly blessed to be your mommy!

I love you with all of my heart.
-Mommy xoxo