Month Twelve

Dear Penelope,

You are now one year old, and the single most amazing part of this year is how much your Father and I love you. One year ago, I had no idea how it was to love someone like you. How someone could so completely captivate me, consume my attention and interest, delight me with their every facial expression. I can sit and watch you for hours.



I still cant make you giggle. You father, he has it down pretty well, but I know you love your Mama. You run up to me, reach your arms up as high as you can, and if I dont immediately pick you up, you lift your feet up to try to climb up my shins. Sometimes you just need a hug, and I love knowing sometimes that's all I need to do to make you happy.



You have one more tooth, so now the count is at five. I think there are a few more close behind, but who knows. Your favorite thing to say is “bye-bye” you chant it over and over. Sometimes you’ll get it exactly right, say it at the exact right time without any prompting, and that just amazes me. You say Mama and Dada, have started a few sign language signs, and are otherwise communicating in all sorts of other ways.



Do you have any idea how cute you are? Seriously, its just not even fair. I just want to squeeze you and kiss your little cheeks.



This first year has been amazing, and the progress you have made is wonderful. You have always been so active and curious, never content to sit back and watch. Im so proud of you and all the things you have learned, and I had no idea I could love you as much as I do.



Happy first birthday, my sweet little sunshine, I will love you always.

Love,
Mama