Happy ONE to my little one

Some people look absolutely stunning after they have a child - they glow.  I. Didn't.  I looked like the victim of a hate crime.  But, I digress.  It isn't about me today.

It's about the little one who turns ONE today.

She was perfect in every way from the first time I laid eyes on her.  I was terrified.

This was the moment I first saw her face.

Since that day, we've dealt with many things...jaundice, learning to breastfeed, illness, colic, teething, tummy issues, weaning from breastfeeding, more teething...

We've also learned things...smiling, lifting head, sitting up, rolling over (yes in that order), laughing, eating, high-fiving, peek-a-boo, baby talking, pulling up, standing, waving, pointing, walking, opening doors, climbing, pulling drawers, and now running!

She has a magnificent personality.  She's strong-willed and kind.  She's gentle and friendly (yet cautious).  She can be whispers one minute and hollers the next.  Even when sick and miserable, she tries to break through with a smile.

She loves with all her heart.  She loves to see smiles - and will do almost anything to get them.  She wants nothing more than to pet her dogs.  She gives out super slimy kisses and asks for kisses in return.

She dances.  She listens.  She snuggles.  She tests.  She tries.  She observes.  She wonders. 

She is my everything.

If this is the love that can grow in just one year - I can't imagine what I'll feel in years to come.

Happy Birthday, Lilia Raye.