Dear Gwen,

This is when I fell in love with you.

Then you grew a little bit, and I think you started loving me back.

Your 2nd month of life marked our 3rd year of marriage. You were starting to see us a little better with your blue baby eyes. And you liked to blow spit bubbles ...

You started smiling really young ... in your first month. I've always called you my happy. You have so much love in you. So much life and joy and good.  

Then before I knew it, you were 6 months old ...

scootin' on all 4s,

eating more solids than liquids,

and still making my life nearly the best it's ever been.

Of course you already love the beach. I think you've loved it from the first time we went. You would just lay there, contentment on a beach towel, and I would stare at you while Addi and Dad played. When you started getting older the beach made you absolutely giddy. You would eat the sand, splash in the water, chase Addi as fast as your little knees would take you ... I thihnk your toes might have started webbing a little bit.

Other things you love:

your pacifier

your sister

me

your dad

oranges

the playground

cuddling

Addi's sippy cup ... 

Tonight was the last night for me to lay you down as a not-one-year-old. And you're weaning, down to only one feeding now, the night feeding. So I'm cherishing the last moments of your infancy and hanging onto it by bitten fingernails. 

Tonight you lay on my chest dozing and sweating. You' d been asleep for about 4 minutes. Then you popped up, took the paci out of your mouth, and kissed me. The HUGEST kiss you've ever given me. Then you smiled and gave me another one! I was downright giddy. It was so sweet ... you are so sweet. I couldn't bear to put you down so we cuddled and giggled for the next hour in the dark and cozy of the rocking chair. 

Gwen, I love you. I love you forever. You are beautiful. You are special. You are my happy.

Happy 1st Birthday Squeaker Bot.

Love,                                     

xoxoMOMoxox