A Letter To My Daughter On Her 1st Birthday

Happy 1st Birthday sweet girl.  It is with a happy heart and teary eyes that I write you this letter to show you how much we have cherished our first year with you!… “I still remember…”

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Dear Payton Reese,

I still remember… the thrill I felt when I read the positive pregnancy test… pure excitement! 

I still remember… your daddy wiping away the sweet flood of tears that rushed down my cheeks when the doctor said that you were a girl.  

I still remember… the little sweet flutters in the beginning of pregnancy, followed by the big soccer kicks towards the end of pregnancy, ouch!

I still remember… the countless hours of praying over you and knowing God already had His hand on your life.

I still remember… all of the innocent snuggles, belly rubs and kisses from your Big Sister, Paisley, who couldn’t wait to meet you.

I still remember… going 8 days over my due-date and wondering if you were ever going to grace us with your presence.

I still remember… the exact second the doctor placed you in my arms, and feeling my heart grow 10 sizes in that exact moment.

I still remember… your peaceful sleeping face, as I watched over you sleeping through the night.

I still remember… your first poopy diaper and the disgusted look on your daddy’s face.  He couldn’t believe something so yucky could come out of your sweet little body.  I loved watching him squirm!

I still remember… your first real smile and the joy that filled your eyes and my heart.

I still remember… the arrival of your first tooth, and many more after, and thinking about how much I was going to miss your cute bare gums.

I still remember… your first giggle, that turned into a belly laugh, from being tickled by your Big Sister.

I still remember… your first roll over and the excitement of being mobile.

I still remember… your first “ma-ma” and “da-da” … even though you seem to prefer saying “ba-ba” more – its cool… no hard feelings.

I still remember… your first taste of food and the adorable eyebrow raise you gave us, as if we opened a whole new world for you.

I still remember… your first slow wobbly crawl that quickly turned into a speedy crawl.  You are a mover!

I still remember… your first shriek of excitement that has now turned into loud shrills and voice echoes throughout the house.

I still remember… your first steps and the joy that shot out of your body with each unstable little step.  Watch out world, Payton is coming for you!

WATCH IT HERE : Payton’s 1st Steps … Caught on Camera!

All of these memories brings so many happy moments and treasured keepsakes, but the joy that is still ahead is what makes this milestone birthday a day to remember.  Payton, I am so thrilled to continue to watch you become the little sweet girl that you are.  God has his hand on you and your life and I am so thankful to walk this journey with you hand in hand.

Happy 1st Birthday Sweet Payton Reese!  I hope you will always love and cherish this letter.

I Love You More Than You Will Ever Know.

Love Mommy!

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