One

Dear Sophia,

Today you are one year old. We have come so far in this past year as a family. We have watched you grow from a tiny, helpless baby into the adventurous little girl you are now. Every day you are learning new and exciting things and sharing that joy with your Daddy and me.

This last month you have become so interested in what we are doing, and you want to try too! Whether it’s you trying to do things we do, or say things we say. You can stand at your door for hours, opening and closing it, giggling at me as I pretend that I'm going to come tickle you when you open it. Whether it's your bedroom door or the cabinet doors in the kitchen, you are captivated by how things work. The same goes for anything with buttons, especially the remote controls to our TV and DVD players. Though most of the time you are really good about bringing them to us when we remind you that they are not yours! It’s only occasionally that we have to chase you through the house to get them back.

Not only do you mimic the things you see us doing, you are beginning to expand your vocabulary too. You’ve been able to say “Thank you” (or Tay-ooooo) for quite some time now, but “Please” (Peeeas) while pointing to what you want is becoming a regularly used word as well! It’s so hard to not give you what you ask for when you use such nice manners!

Although this month has been filled with joys and excitement, you have also discovered how to throw a very effective tantrum. When your Daddy or I tell you 'no' or take you away from a danger like the electrical outlets or the stove, or when you try to slam your weight down on the TV Receiver, you pout your lip, sit down on the floor and begin whimpering. However, that behavior is still very mild compared to the gingerbread incident. Upon finishing your first gingerbread cookie, you saw the bag and wanted another. When we told you, “No, one cookie is enough” you threw your body on the floor, kicked your feet up and down crying, and rolled your body face down into the carpet. This went on for several minutes.

You have also become the cuddliest little girl! Though I fear it was due to the double ear-infection and sinus infection you had over break, it seems that your need for “Get Better Cuddles” has turned into a habit. We both have commented how much we miss those early months when you would be content to stay in our arms for hours. We are now loving every second you want to be in our arms and cherishing every moment; because we’re pretty sure that if the next 12 years go by as fast as this one did, we won’t have very many more chances to cuddle with you.

With all 6 of your teeth, your smile lights up the room and each and every kiss you give freely is a treasured gift. We are so proud of the little girl you are becoming, of all of the things you have learned, and all that you will be. We love you more than we can say and we can't wait to see what this next year will bring.

Love,

Mommy and Daddy