Notes From Nessa : 12 Months

Dear Penelope,
You are my not so little baby girl anymore. You are a big one year old now. This past year we spent every moment enjoying watching you grow and evolve into such a beautiful little girl. You have brought so much love and laughter into our home. You have opened your mama and papas hearts, in ways that we never knew were possible. We get less sleep and go on fewer dates, but honestly we wouldn't change a thing. The time spent with you is priceless. I have been so blessed to be able to stay home with you almost every day of your first year of life. Watching you accomplish each and every milestone has brought so much joy. If only you could have seen the excitement in our eyes, when you rolled over for the first time, when you decided to sit up all by yourself, the way we laughed as we watched you taste solids for the first time, seeing you army crawl all over the carpet and work your way to you knees and most recently, watching you be so proud of yourself as you push your walker across the floor. Oh my goodness, each one has been so fun.
You spunky personality has really started to shine through this month. You are one determine little lady. When you see something you want, you make sure to let us know. This works the same if you don't like something, except you shake your head back and forth, as fast as you can. If you don't want to eat something you will purse your little turtle lips together as tight as you possible can.
When we ask you where our nose is, you will open your mouth and nibble on our nose. When I say get mommy or daddy's ear, you will grab our face and turn it, so you can get ahold of our ear. You breathe into it and lick it. It is the funniest thing, feeling your warm breathe and listening to you breath heavy into our ears. It is a serious crack up. You love to give kisses to all of your babies and stuffed animals, but especially to the phone, when we are Skyping with family.
Your favorite things as of late, are to go to the park and swing. As soon as we pull up to My Gym, you know exactly where we are headed. You scream and squeal at the top of your lungs, it is basically the best thing ever. You are always so sweet with other kids. I hope you stay that way. You are great at sharing, for now and love other kids, especially your cousins.
You aren't afraid to go to other people, which has been really nice. You love the ladies at the gym daycare. You make sure to wave to every single person you see. I secretly feel bad when someone doesn't wave back. Your smile makes everyone melt. You honestly have stolen so many people's hearts, but your parents especially. We just think the world of you and hope you always know and feel that. If we are able, there is nothing we wouldn't do for you.
You hav eight teeth! I didn't know it was possible to have that many teeth at your age. It seems your teeth have made up for the loss in the hair growth department. I always tease you about your hair, but I really do love your thin baby hair. I'm just waiting for the pay back days, from when I was younger. Just ask your grandma the grief I put her through.
You know when your daddy gets home and immediately crawl as fast as you can, to greet him at the door. You are the best greater. When I come to pick you up from the gym daycare you will spot me and run as fast as your little feet will go, while in your walker. You still love GiGi and make sure to feed her way to much of your baby food. I hope you two are always best of friends.
You are the cutest, squishiest, yummiest baby in the world. This year has flown by. We can't wait to see what this next year has in store. You have overcome so much in your fist year and have taught us so much. You are a fighter and we strive to be more like you every day. You are a great example to us and have strengthened our testimonies in more ways than we can count. You have taught me how to love and what it means to be selfless. Thank you for teaching me and helping me become a better person. We love you so much peanut butter.
Love,
Your mama and papa