The Best Year Ever

Dear Sweet LouLou Girl-

I just put you down to bed on the eve of one of the best days of my life- the day you were born one year ago. {Cue ugly cry!} Every day since has simply been the sweetest gift because you are pure joy.

Carrying you for that nine months was, well... difficult. But I wouldn't trade a second of it because you were the prize at the end of the marathon.

If you check Mommy's dictionary under Amber Louise, you'll find the oft used Shakespearean quote that I believe fits you better than any other baby girl on God's green earth:

Source

You are so full of life and personality. You know what you want and how to get it. Sometimes I am sure I can hear the wheels turning in your head as you figure out how to get whatever it is you want.

You have no lack of Daddy's stubbornness or Mommy's moodiness. The nursery volunteers may not believe me, but you smile and giggle more often than not. You make yourself heard when you want to be, and you silently wreak havoc when your little heart desires to.

You think you're a big kid, determined to be independent. Just last night you joined right in with the wrestling ritual with your dad and big sibs; your tiny self amidst all the crazy big bodies was a sight to see! And you came out of it giggling in your usual grunty way.

Sometimes you prefer your big sister to Mommy, which can work in my favor as you are the fifth child. Big Sister takes wonderful care of you (although there has been some trial and error!) and adores you almost as much as I do. God absolutely knew what He was doing waiting 8.5 years before giving Marie the baby sister she'd been dreaming of. You will for sure drive her crazy as you both grow older, but something about your current relationship makes me confident that no matter what, you'll always come back to each other.

Since the day you were born, you've responded to Daddy's voice and have always had googly eyes for him. You have him wrapped, Little Girl. You will never be able to do anything wrong in his eyes. Milk it - the fact that you are his favorite - but don't take advantage of it! Your Daddy deserves the fearless love and affection you show him. Even if he does call you Chubs...

I often tell you that you are everything good in this world wrapped in one squishy package. You are my Angelic Beauty; my Perfection. Maybe there's nothing you can do wrong in my eyes either as I am usually saying these things while you're throwing a fit or trying to wriggle your way out of my arms. You are just so much more wonderful than we could have ever dreamt up. Our Creator crafted you so masterfully and placed you lovingly and purposefully into this nutcase family. Your Daddy and I have the privilege of raising you, and for that we are eternally grateful.

In a few hours you will wake up (since you still rarely sleep through the night!) as a one year old. My heart aches at the thought while my belly flips because, while I hate the very thought of you growing up at all, I'm so very excited to get to be a part of it!

Happy Birthday, my Sweet LouLou Girl.

All the love in the wide world,

Your Momma