Sugar and Puppy Dog Tales...: Chloe Jane- 1

My Sweet Chloe,

Your first birthday has come & gone and I am so glad we got to do lots of celebrating with you. We had your official party over the weekend but on Friday (your actual birthday), we did our traditional "birthday waffles" -at dinnertime so Daddy could be involved. We sang to you with a candle in the waffle...it was just the five of us & such a special moment with you and your brothers!

I was very excited to see your reaction to cake and presents and "Happy Birthday"...and you had fun with all of it. Especially being sung to & digging into the cake. We don't do the separate little kid cake so you just stuck your hand right into a half sheet decorated with Cinderella (your brothers chose it!). We sing alot in this house but I know you realized that "Happy Birthday" was a special one, with lots of family around to make sure all your wishes come true :)

Of course, it is hard for me to believe that an entire year has passed since you were born. I am so happy that I got to spend this past year at home with you and your brothers- it has been such a gift! Even on the tough days, I appreciate having all of this time with you.

At one-year-old, you are: walking, trying to walk faster, saying 'mama' and 'dada' in reference to the right people, pointing, giving kisses, climbing stairs, clapping, giggling, peeking, snuggling, whining when necessary, loving bath time, making "vroom" noises when you play with matchbox cars, and getting used to the addition of some "girl" toys given as birthday gifts. Daddy and I were joking tonight that you might be wondering WHY you didn't get any trucks :) Among your favorites are a stroller and a 'Laugh & Learn Puppy'. You also got lots of fun clothes. I am definitely enjoying girl outfits.

I love you so much- I love having a daughter. After being a mom to your two older brothers, I did wonder what life would be like if we added a little girl to the mix. I was maybe even a little bit worried that I had become totally partial to boys. But I love learning what little girls are made of and while you share some characteristics with your brothers, you are already your own person. You fit right in to our crazy family. And because you haven't yet figured out the power of the word "no", you are the easiest child in the family right now. While you are discovering how to express frustration (read: have a mini-tantrum), it is short lived & easily fixed. You don't enjoy getting your diaper changed and you are by far the worst of my 3 babies for sticking your hand in your own poop. I can see that you will keep us on our toes.

You adore your older brothers but I sense a little bit of a preference for Liam. Michael and Liam are both so great with you & I don't think I could ask them to be more patient at ages 4 and 3. They are happy to have you around & immediately ask about you if you don't come with me to a preschool pickup (you sometimes stay with Grammy). You definitely like having the house to yourself but if the boys are gone for too long, you are obviously looking around for them.

Our whole family is enchanted with you & you have gotten over some of your shyness & people-other-than-mommy/daddy-aversion which means everyone can enjoy you a little bit more. Your Mom-Mom (Daddy's mom) is especially happy with this since you used to cry every time she tried to hold you. Grammy & Poppy are around on a daily basis so you are already forming a close bond with them.

This morning you were awake early (luckily I got you to go back to sleep). You were in your crib saying "Mama" in your softest, sweetest voice...I almost didn't want to get you out because your voice was just so lovely. You wanted to let me know you were awake but didn't feel the need to scream...because you know we never keep you waiting for too long!

We love you so much Chloe! Having a daughter brings a different quality to me as a mother and I like discovering a different part of myself while learning all about you! I look forward to all the good things to come and hope you always realize how much you are loved and how special you are to us.