LA-Stitch: A letter to Nora

Happy first birthday, Nora!!!

We sang Happy Birthday to you several times today, but the first was in your crib. You were excited to see us when we busted through your door in song, but then you looked confused :).

At one year old, your big personality is shining through. You are a serious little girl with a bit of a silly side that comes out every once in awhile, kind of like me. You remind me of your daddy with your strong will and independence. You are curious, very active, and have a lot to say. Your big toothy smile is the sweetest thing I've seen, and I love your fringy bangs :). God gave you the most beautiful crystal blue eyes, which everyone comments on, and they light up your face and let your beautiful spirit shine through.

Just last week, you started taking your first steps! We thought you might be running by now because you're so strong, but you've been cautious with testing out your balance. Daddy and I have seen you walk halfway across the bonus room, but most often it is several steps and then a little plop :).

You love being outside, and play dates at the park have become a new favorite thing for you and I to do together during the week. Recently, you have noticed your stuffed animals and love to give them hugs. I think it might be time to put some of your "baby" toys away. You're very good at matching some of the toys we have multiples of, like your Oballs and little stuffed elephants, and like to carry them around the room. You can roll a ball back and forth, climb all the way up our steps, and help with getting dressed (on a very good day).

You LOVE dogs, and say "da" every time we see one on our walks. You also say "cat" and get very excited, though we don't see them as often. You still quack every time you see a duck :). I think you know "mama" and "dada," but you don't say them to get our attention just yet. You can sign "more" and "all done" and "bye-bye" and recognize a few other words (up, brush, ball, teeth, nose, shoes). I know I am probably missing some. This month you've finally learned when we're going to pray and reach out to hold our hands before dinner.

You love it when Daddy throws you up high in the air, and I always worry that you're going to fall! He gets you giggling the most though, so I just hold my breath and watch! We didn't let you watch any tv for the longest time, but now you watch shows every once in awhile. Daniel Tiger is your favorite, and you like Curious George too.

Pizza is your favorite food so far (and we have tried a lot of things!) so we made it to celebrate your birthday! You also love grapes, strawberries, pears, eggs, and CHEESE! Maybe we need to work on adding some veggies to that list... You almost always eat whatever is in front of you.

My new good friend Heidi spent her Saturday morning with us last week and took your 1 year photos. You've been spending lots of time with her daughter Hannah :). You love being outside so much but were terribly distracted and really confused with the camera and noises we were making at you, and despite our efforts to get you to laugh and smile, you only flashed us a few grins! I know they will all still turn out beautiful, but I'm glad she captured at least one photo of your pretty smile!

We're having a party to celebrate YOU on Saturday, and we're all looking forward to it even though you have no idea what is coming :).