Happy Birthday Miss Amelia!

 

 One year ago today, our little Miss Amelia joined our family "on the outside" and quickly carved a place for herself in our hearts.

 With her quiet and sleepy ways she snoozed and snuggled Matt and me into new territory, the uncharted waters of outnumbered parenting.

(I'm thankful God saw fit to give us such an easy transition into this next stage in our parenting careers!)

 Her sisters adored her every move (and lack thereof!) and both blossomed under the duties of being big sisters to a new little one.

  We spent our days and nights listening to her coos and cries.

 We are truly blessed to have been chosen by God to have Amelia in our family.

 Watching her grow has been a joy, from getting the first glimpse of her smiles (even if I was the last person she smiled for...)

to watching her roll over and start to play.

 Each glimpse of her little personality has been like getting to see another page in a new book, the story unfolding slowly over time.

 She's happy and quick to smile,

 affectionate, with a touch of silliness, too.

 She patiently bears with her sisters' silliness,

 her parents silliness, too (I guess we know where she gets it from)

 She occasionally causes problems of her own, but that pretty much comes with the territory.

 Watching her discover all there is to this world helps us to appreciate the wonder that surrounds us every day, the simple things we take for granted.

 She's our happy, goofy, playful little girl, the third of our wonderful blessings.

 Her sisters continue to love her, to dote on her, and include her in their play.  The examples of love they show to her every day will go far in forming her for the future, and I am grateful beyond words for the bond they share.  It makes my heart happy.

 So happy first birthday Miss Amelia!

 We promise to love you, teach you, and guide you.

 (even when you scream at us!)

 And I'm sure you will continue to do the same for us.

We love you!