You Are One Today, My Dear.

To my Little Caydence,

Today, exactly one year ago, at 9:17 a.m., I held you in my arms for the very first time. Today you are one year old. I decided that each year on your birthday I would write you a letter. I want to remember you at every stage of your life, forever. I also want to be able to share that with you. You were 8lbs, 16oz, and 18 inches long with lots of dark hair. From the moment you greeted us, you were wide eyed and ready to explore the world.

I could go on and on about how you've grown too fast, that I wish you would slow down, and that I want you to be my baby forever. It is all true, but mostly, I want you to know how much I love you. Everyday I look at your big dark eyes, I can't believe that you are mine. Mostly, I can't believe  how lucky I am. My first thoughts when I saw you were, "Oh my gosh. She is BIG."  But really, you were so small when I look back on it. Because now, you're big. Like 25lbs big.

So today, exactly one year from your birth, the one word I would use to describe you is brave. You are not afraid of anything, which I love, and also makes me scared sometimes. Within a few minutes of meeting someone, you try to make them your friend. You also have a habit of trying to dive off of chairs, couches, and anything that is a little too high off the ground. However, even though you are so brave, you are also tough. 80% of the time you bonk your head, you are back to your business like nothing happened. The other 20%, you are usually really tired and upset a little easier. You have a habit of chasing around the vacuum, and you like it when I blow air from the blow dryer on your face.

You haven't started walking yet, but stand alone balancing more and more each day. I suspect that you will be taking steps in the next month or two. At that point, I'm sure I'll be chasing you around the house non-stop. I already do chase you non-stop, but walking will take it up a notch.

You are a Daddy's girl, through and through. As much as it makes me happy, it makes me a little jealous too. I know you love me in a different way, but you have a special bond with your Daddy. You want to be with him. You want him to hold you. You want him to play with you. You love him, and that makes me so happy! What I think will be a problem for me down the road is that you actually listen to your Daddy. Daddy is serious business at times, and you seem to know that already. But when I am serious business, you could probably care a little less.

You are also very determined. Once you have set your mind on something, it takes a lot to distract you from it. Cords for example. YOU LOVE CORDS. It doesn't matter what kind, or what it's connected to, you want to grab it and put it over your head so it drapes around your neck. We have to hide them from you. However, you have your ways, and manage to find that one we forgot.

Your favorite word at the moment is "HEY!". You are always yelling "HEY!" when you want something. You are also learning to do things like waving, and clapping your hands. You like to mimic everything. Mostly sounds. You also love to say, "Hi!", to me every time I come home from work. It makes me smile every time.

I could go on and on about every little thing you are doing and saying. You are growing and changing every day. I want you to know how much I love you Caydence Elle. I am so happy to be your Mom, and so happy that you are my baby. :)

Love,

Your Momma