You are 1!!!!!

Today's bathtime

Drying off the sugar-plum fairy

Dear, Dear Maylie May,

Time has passed so swiftly this past year--as if on eagle's wings.  And I can hardly believe you're 1.  You've been walking for well over a month now and your first words have been Jesus, Mama, and Dada.  You've successfully transitioned to a sippy cup with whole milk and you love big people food.  I love your funny faces, the way you laugh, and the way you repeat an action over and over as soon as you get a reaction from your brothers.  I just really can't imagine life without you.

I laid down with your brothers today for a nap and I dreamed about your birth as if it were happening all over again.  And when I held you for the first time {in my dream}, I cried tears of joy and kissed you over and over.  Yesterday I was mourning the fact that I had forgotten how your newborn cheeks felt as I kissed them.  And in a blessed tender mercy, I dreamed that I kissed your cheeks, so happy that I got to kiss them one more time.  I was savoring and relishing your smell and your precious little features, knowing I would soon wake up to you all grown.  It was just what I needed today to push through the melancholy and treasure the now.

Maylie, you are Grace through and through.  I can't tell you enough or adequately describe in words what you have done for me and this family.  You are the bright star that has fallen right into our laps.  You are what brightens our Winters, and enhances our Springs.  You came at just the right time, in perfect answer to my heartfelt pleas.  I prayed for you to come more than I had ever prayed for anything else.  You were the dream I'd held in my heart for so long.

And now you've been with us for one whole year.  I have cherished every moment with you, and I'm just so grateful that we get to share another.  And for this year I wish for you joy, and peace, and hope immeasurable.

All my love,

Mommy

Dearest Maylie,

I have always dreamed of having a little daughter of my own to be, "Daddy's little girl." I could always imagine how we would be the best of friends and would always be close. I am grateful that one year ago today, you made that dream come true for me. Thank you for coming to our family when you did and for bringing with you so much light and love with you!

I love you for so many reasons (much more than I can count!), here are just a few:

• I love you for your wonderful smile that brightens every day
• I love you for your determination to learn and master new things
• I love your recently acquired ability to give kisses
• I love the way you come scooting to see me every time I come home from work (even if you do come in saying, "mama!")
• I love your wild hair doo in the mornings when we get you up
• I love you for your shining eyes that reflect so well our home above
• To sum it up, Maylie, I just love you.

Happy 1st birthday sweet princess!

I love you!

Love,

Daddy