Today you're 1!

Dear Allie,

Today is a very special day. Today you're 1! Its been a very special year for all of us. Dada and I have loved watching you grow over the last 365 days.

When you were really little, you slept and slept. You dressed up for your first Halloween in the hospital. You were a little, cute, pink skeleton, though only for about 20 minutes. You probably don't remember because you were sleeping. But I remember.

We took you home from the hospital where you met Monk for the very first time and dressed in your Colts gear right away. We rooted for the Colts in the Super Bowl, but they lost to the Saints. We didn't mind though because we like the Saints too.

You wore a pretty dress with a headband and satin shoes for Christmas. We couldn't do much for Christmas, but it didn't matter. We got the best present under our tree.

You met Santa and you weren't impressed.

Everyone was so impressed by how you got along with the Easter Bunny. We called you "One Take Allie" because you smiled right away when they took your picture.

I went back to work in January and it was tough on all of us. But we made it work. You were always growing and learning new things. Over a few months you rolled over, then you scooted and finally crawled. Nothing was going to stop you! After awhile you learned to stand. Just a couple weeks ago you started to walk and now you're practically running!

We've tried new foods. Remember the first time you had rice cereal? You didn't know what Mama was putting in your mouth! After a few tries though, you liked it. And off we went to try new foods. You liked squash and pears the best.

You jabber constantly. I love how you're always smiling and laughing. Every morning in the car you take off your socks and we have to put them back on before we can take you into Bridget's! We finally got you some shoes in hopes they would keep you from taking your socks off. But this past Thursday morning you figured out how to take your shoes off!

We've taken some fun trips. We went to the aquarium in Milwaukee and played on a ship. You got to help steer!

You really love the playground, especially the swings. I bet you'd swing all day if we let you. But we can't because if you stay in it too long, you start turning a little green!

 We've gone to the zoo a lot and had lots of fun looking at the animals.

You're already sharing in Dada's love of football. Touchdown!

I love having you at my races. Some day we'll run together, but only if you want to.

You're so smart and funny and cute. You found a secret passage and kept sneaking past Mama and Dada to get to the forbidden kitchen!

I love how you entertain yourself and us constantly. I love your funny faces.

Allie, the past year has been amazing. Its been so great to go through all the pictures, all the memories. I can't pick my favorite. They're all my favorites. You're growing up too fast, but I'm excited to see the kid you become. Happy birthday baby!

Love,
Mama