I cannot believe that a year has passed. That was probably the fast 365 days of my life, yet the most fulfilling. No one could ever have prepared me for just how much I would love my little princess. So, in honor of Lena's Birthday I thought I'd write her a letter. My sweet Lena Kathleen, One year ago I was given the most precious gift. The day you entered my life, I felt a sense of completion. You are such a beautiful little girl and your smile lights up the world...especially your Mommy's world. I cannot remember what life was like before you arrived. At one year old, you are a busy little thing. You never sit still for more than a few seconds, but that's okay. You love to explore. Everything you touch, you try to put in your mouth. You have a mouthful of teeth, yet you keep teething. Maybe you'll end up having more teeth than every other person on the planet. You crawl everywhere. I think your little body has been a hinderance when you try to stand on your own. Those little legs just can't support your head. But, you love to hold on to anything and walk around. I just know it's a matter of weeks before you are off and running on your own. You absolutely adore your big brother. He will do whatever it takes to try and make you laugh and you certainly oblige him. Whenever he is away from home, you crawl around the house looking for him. When we pick him up, your face breaks into a huge grin and you try to lunge out of my arms so you can grab him. I think you even taught him how to share! Even your Daddy has been seduced by your charm. He thinks it's funny to call you vampire baby since you are always trying to bite him when he isn't paying attention. I will admit, it's super funny. You love to watch cartoons. I have to keep an eye on you because I'm sure you would sit and stare at the tv all day, if allowed. You adore Elmo. Thank goodness, because I couldn't take another kid who only wanted to watch Little Einsteins. Everytime you see Elmo (whether in a book, on tv, or a toy), you smile really big and start blabbering away. You also love music. Heaven forbid I turn off the radio while we're driving around, that would start a sob-fest. Aside from the fact that you haven't been the greatest sleeper (I forgive you), you are the most awesome baby. You are a good eater and will try anything. So far, the only foods you haven't liked are fruits. You smile and laugh all the time. You can say Dada, Mama, Dede (Dylan), and tickle tickle. Only a few words, but you blabber all the time so I'm pretty certain you'll be talking as much as your brother in no time at all. Lena Bear, we all love you so very much and are so greatful you came to our family. We all look forward to watching you grow and learn new things. Thanks for being so precious. Happy Birthday Princess. Love, Mommy
We were lucky in that the boys actually cooperated (mostly) this time around. Last time we attempted this, Dylan only let us get a couple shots and Noah wouldn't even get in front of the camera.
Lena still loves the camera. She smiles everytime she's in front of one. It's adorable.
Kathleen and I weren't very close growing up because of the age gap. She was still in Elementary school when I moved away to college. But, these past couple years we've grown pretty close and I love spending time with her and my cute nephew Noah. I love her...even though she's taller and skinnier than me...hahaha.
Dylan is one of those kids whom everyone loves. He just has one of those infectious personalities and he loves to chat with anyone. He has a really special relationship with my Mom. He just adores her, as she does him.
My little mini-me. One year later and I'm still as smitten with her as the day she was born. She's developing quite the fun and sassy personality.
See how I'm holding onto Dylan to make sure he doesn't run away? Yeah, that's how it goes with a 4 1/2 year old boy. Love him.
Dylan and Noah don't get to see each other very often, but man, they make up for lost time quickly. They love each other and it is so so so so fun to watch them interact. Noah is really able to carry on a conversation now and it was so cute watching him and Dylan have secret talks.