Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Happy 1st birthday, Emmalee Mae.
On Sunday our girl, Emmalee, turned an entire year old. A whole year. 365 days of snuggling this baby-woman. I'm still baffled at where all those days went. I have bursts of memories of her at different stages of one year, but honestly, I have no idea where all those days went so quickly. I do know that even though I can't remember each of those days that blinked by, I know they were spent well. They were spent nursing. Lots. They were spent studying her hands and toes. Spent on taking turns letting big kids hold her and watch her with awe. Treasured in watching her feisty personality take shape. Our 'new baby' became part of home-school and we were in love. Instantly. I sometimes think, 'just one year ago we didn't even know her', and I'm shocked because it seems she's been part of us all along.
This big, blue-eyed girl is crazy. I mean that in the most loving way. Her personality (which I'm still figuring out day to day) is big. And strong. She's all over the map. And I love every bit of her.
She adores Annabelle and Bennett. Annabelle will tote her around and do crazy tricks with her, while Bennett lets her beastly self tackle him and love maul on him. Yeah. Annabelle is still floating on air that she has her very own sister.
She finally found her freedom in crawling at 11 months old and now speeds through the house chasing everyone. I'm bracing myself for when she finds her footing.
She flabbergasts me every time I put hand-me-downs of Annabelle's on her and recall Annabelle being much older when wearing it. She's a tall girl. 20lbs. 9oz to date.
She hates sleeping alone. She'll sleep peacefully all night long as long as she can be sandwiched between mom and dad. We soak up her small little frame between us each night with hearts that are all too familiar with how soon this will be a thing of the past.
In her first 8 months of life she refused to be held by anyone but me, and then one day she blossomed into my most social baby. Her Poppy Dowling is her very best friend and favorite person. Hands down. At church I'm usually at a loss for where she is. She'll go to anyone. Charming everyone.
She's a gift to me, and to her siblings and Daddy. We know God has amazing things planned for this girl. We are thrilled that He has chosen us to be her mama and daddy and lead her to His call, His great plans.
Happy 1st birthday, Emmalee Mae.
We look forward to another year of watching you love and be loved, sweet girl!
Heather Dowling at 9:27 PM