This Past Year

I need to start off my saying that you are the coolest little person I know! I simply can not believe that an entire year has passed since you were born; I'm convinced that this has been the fastest year of our life and I wish that some how, some way I could make it slow down just a tad. It's hard to put into words what you mean to us. But you my dear, have taught me about life, love, patience and what is truly important in this world. Thinking back about the first year, months 1-3 were definitely the roughest. Since then though, we've settled into a nice routine and I have to say that you are an incredibly easy baby. For that I am so grateful. Every day your bright smile brings so much joy to the lives of those around you, especially your daddy and I. 

A couple photos from your one year shoot:

(This wasn't a face we were trying to get you to make. It just happened and I love love love it.)

Some awesome things that you're doing at or around 1 year. 

Playing peekaboo! You've been doing this for a while, but I just barely got around to recording it.

You love to terrorize the dogs. When I use the word terrorize, I mean it in the nicest way because I'm pretty sure they like it... 

Daddy might not like me sharing this because he likes his music to be perfect. Thankfully though, you don't demand perfection. It's so sweet to watch you sit there while he plays.

Words you say:

Dada

Mama

Uh oh

Jared (pronounced "air wed")

Sadie (pronounced "aid e")

Yes!
Hi

Doggies

"Das" (We're not quite sure what that one is but you say it all the time so it must be something important!)

Favorite foods:

Bananas
Strawberries

Avacados
Sweet Potatoes

Green Beans

Noodles

Chicken
You just recently started to love strawberries. We gave you some the other day straight out of the refrigerator. They were cold and the face you made as you were eating them was hilarious.

Teeth:
NINE--(Front, top & bottom teeth have been in for quite some time and you recently got a molar on the bottom) As always, you're a teething champ. Thank you for that.
Sleeping:
You're basically a rock star when it comes to sleeping too. Although there have been a few nights here and there that you wake up in the night and end up in our bed, you mostly sleep all night in your own bed. We put you down between 7:30 and 8:30 and you usually toss and turn or play peekaboo with yourself before you finally pass out and then you wake up between 5:30 and 6:30 am. It's great. I couldn't have asked for anything more.
Walking:
You've been standing and taking steps for over a month now, but I wouldn't say you're "walking" yet. I have a feeling we're going to wake up tomorrow or the next day and you're not only going to be walking, you're going to be running. I'm in no hurry for that. I'll hold and carry for you as long as you'll let me!

I love that you're goofy. We have such a good time together :)

Like all my messages before, I want you to know how much you are adored and how special you are. You are the center of our universe. I finally understand the deepest love a person can feel, a love so strong that it almost hurts. I want for nothing bad or sad to ever happen to you and I will do my best to protect you and make sure that you have the best life that we can give you. I look forward to the years to come, seeing you grow and hopefully giving you a playmate or two :)

I love you Emilee Grayce

Mama