Audrey's 1st Birthday

Happy Birthday Miss Audrey! I am somewhat at a loss for words right now. It is hard for me to express the emotional soup that is me. This year has been hard. So very hard. You have been a boisterous little one, some might call you a "touchy" baby. You know what you want, when you want it. You were born that way. And while the many sleepless nights, evenings suffering from major colic, and constant need to be near mama were sometimes tough, you make up for it all by being you. Boy, do you make up for it all. Your smile can bring me to tears, your laugh makes me laugh out loud, and the way you tuck your head into my shoulder when you are being shy makes me want to hang on tight and never let you go. 

You already have developed into such a little explorer…still wanting me near…but wandering further away every day. You are a mischievous one, climbing on everything within reach (and getting down pretty well by yourself too!) and opening every cabinet that you can. Your screech directs my day. A scream here for milk and a yelp there to be picked up. But your screeches are turning into words. You regularly say hi to strangers (watch that one, ok?!) and you use mama regularly (especially when you want something NOW)! You say dada when you want to and I'm pretty sure you are saying baba too. 

I love watching you watch your brother. You study his every move and laugh at him when he tries to keep his trucks away from you. You are pretty dang good at sneaking one or two away and when he notices, you are pretty tough about not giving them back. I can't wait for you to be able to play with him the way you want to…soon you will be walking and running and chasing him all over the place!

Unlike your big brother, you have your mama and daddy's love for food. Trying everything and anything. Tonight, for example, you wolfed down couscous with kale, squash, tomatoes, chicken and nutmeg. I seriously think you ate 5 times as much as your big brother :). Actually, food was a big turning point for you. The minute you could feed yourself, you began to calm down. You like to be in control. Hmmmmmm…..where did you get that from? ;)

One thing you didn't get from me is your love of dancing. You scoot and bounce whenever music comes on and it is the cutest thing to watch. We've spent a lot of time listening to Rhianna…she's definitely your favorite and always stops the tears.

I am so excited for the year ahead. I cannot wait to watch you investigate the world. This next year will be big for you….walking and talking and soaking up everything like a little sponge. 

I love you little girl…mama