One year ago tomorrow, my sweet, cuddly Mary Ellen came into this world.

It was love at first sight.

Those little fingers and toes dazzled me.
Her cheeks, her smell, the way she curled up to snuggle into my body blessed me.

I have a special place in my heart for you, my child, for I, too, was a second born daughter. Mary Ellen, you remind me of myself in that you never allow me to forget you are near and that you NEED me so. You crave attention. You absolutely love to be in my arms. You love hugs and kisses and often lean back when I kiss your cheeks, so as to remind me not to forget to kiss your little neck. Then you giggle with glee.

A year has come and gone, and you have changed me as a mother so much! I have grown and matured. You have had the benefit of not being the "guinea pig" as your big sister was. Fewer mistakes were made, yet other things that I thought were mistakes I would never make, I found myself doing, like co-sleeping with you for the first 8 weeks of your life. Now I cherish that time I had with you, such special bonding time.

At 12 months, my dear, there are so many things I love about you.........
I love your sense of humor and your sassiness.
I love that you don't let your sister aggravate you for very long. You are not a pushover! You fight back!

I love your blue eyes and your dimples.

I love that you light up when your daddy enters the room.
I love that you start smacking your lips and kicking your legs in satisfaction when I put you in the highchair.

I love that you clap and "dance" in your car seat when I turn the music up loud.
I love that you vibrate the back of your throat as if you are purring when you're happy :).

I love how much you love Hattie.
I love how you always greet me with a smile when I come to get you out of bed.
I love your chub!

My darling, I love so many things about you!
You are an angel! I thank God for the year He has given me with you, and I pray for many, many more. What a blessing to our family you are! Happy first birthday, my sweet little toot-toot!