Leah Turns ONE

My sweet baby girl turns ONE today.  As I went through pictures to try and put together a sappy post, I actually had a mini meltdown halfway through.  It's just hard to believe it's been a year already.

Leah Michelle...you have made me smile since the first day I met you.  And you make me smile every. single. day.

When we took you to your first Cardinals baseball game, you were a champ.  They won that day.

On your first 4th of July, you slept.  A lot.  Even though it was REALLY hot.

And when we play in the back yard, you smile.

For your first DCI show, I'm sure those sitting around me thought I was crazy for bringing a baby.  But you were good.  Very good.  Just watched like the rest of us.

Your brothers and sister adore you.

We enjoy family trips with you.  This was your first time out at Maramec Spring Park.

And this was your first time at Chuck E. Cheese.

We shared a first together...our first NLDS game.  It was a winner, too.

We stayed up late watching them play on tv.

 You love your daddy.  He loves you, too.

You love to cuddle with Papa.

And I guess I was waiting to have you so I could take this picture at the Zoo...with four kids.

 You just looked so cute on your first Halloween.  Mama was proud.

And I think you look a lot like your Great Grandma (because I look like her, too...and you look like me).

I think you had fun on your first Christmas morning.

And your first snowfall. 

You love this Papa, too.

 And the first time you were sick, you didn't even cry.  You just cuddled with me more.

Did I mention your siblings love you?

And I love to read to you.

You are beautiful and fun.  You seem to always be smiling.  I didn't know what our family dynamic would be like when you came along, but I can genuinely say that you complete us.  You really do.  I can't image what it would be like without your crinkled nose and sweet giggle. 

I'm so glad that God has allowed me to be your mom.


Happy birthday, Leah.