Dear Addie,
I am writing you your first letter since you turned one. I know I should date something like 1 year and 1 month… or 13 months, but if I keep writing to you in weeks will you stay little forever?

Little. I think that term is silly. You are 36″ tall and weigh 26 lbs. You are certainly not little. Just the other night, I went to check on you and I noticed just how big you looked in your crib. I wondered to myself, how long is this going to last. When do I have to get rid of the crib and get you the “Big Girl” Bed. You already have one ya know. It was mine, from when I was a girl. It’s hard to believe you are growing that fast. Of course, you have a toddler bed too.. So at least there is some solace in knowing I can gradually adjust to the idea of you in a big girl bed.

I cannot even begin to imagine just how full of wonder and curiosity your little head holds. My whole world has flip-flopped and I’ve begun to look at things a little different now. Day in and day out I see the same things, but each day you remind me to stop and touch, smell and laugh at things I may have completely overlooked. Who knew, while I was teaching you about the world around me, you would be doing the same for me.

I was listening to a CD the other day and started to tear up as I really listened to the words. I realized just how amazing you are. Just how amazing it is to watch you learn and grow. Everyone adores you and comments about your big blue eyes. “Amazing” is the word most frequently used. Your Daddy and I laugh all the time about how much trouble we will be in when you turn 15. But then, you’ll be 780 weeks old, so maybe you will still be Mommy’s little girl afterall.

I love you very much,
Mom

ALWAYS – PLUMB

Out of nowhere
You came
From a little dust
And a little rain
And when I looked down at
Your face
It showed to me
The truth and grace

I will always try to keep you very safe

So open up your eyes
So they can look in mine
And see a small reflection
And when you close your eyes
I pray the thoughts inside
Are beautiful and true

I won’t always
Be this strong
And I won’t always
Be the one
To kiss the bruise
Or heal the scrapes
To wipe the tear drops
From your face
But I will always love you more each day