A letter to my daughter on her first birthday...

We love the tradition of writing a letter to your little one on their birthdays. It's hard to find the time and headspace to actually do it. One of our moms shared a letter she wrote to her daughter, Sadie, on her first birthday....and we think it's super sweet. We're guessing Sadie will appreciate it too when she's older. These kinds of letters are also really special to include in your custom Ultimate Baby Book.

Dear Sadie,

Happy 1st Birthday my sweetest girl! It was exactly a year ago I was pushing you out into this world. And now, wow, you are a girl….

You are a climber, an explorer, a talker. You climb on my nightstand and investigate all the lotions, cords, books, and devices strewn about. You give huggies...and kisses to my belly. You tickle, you squirm, you babble. And you always smile. You love people-- engaging with strangers, catching their eye. You love animals -- waving at them, petting doggies and kitties. You look out for them on our walks. I'm blown away that in just a year you are a full-on person with preferences, personality, a sense of humor.

I love the person you have developed into so far. You are playful and affectionate. If we crawl toward you, you will crawl toward us with determination. If we babble forcefully, you will scrunch your face and babble back with such gusto. You go around saying "Meh" (more) all the time -- you definitely know what you want. You love climbing up the slide and then letting yourself slide down on your belly. You are a noisy eater -- it is one of the funniest things you do, and we just can't wait to see if you keep doing that.

I look at you and see your dad's eyelashes and nose. I see his energy and determination, his ability to execute a plan, his raw sweetness. Then I look at you and see my smile and profile, my gaze and pensiveness, a pause for contentment. You bring us so much joy, my baby girl, who isn't so much a baby anymore. I hope for you: a year of good naps, sleeping past (or until) 6AM, lots of delicious snacks with maybe an ounce less food thrown on the floor, many visits to the park, grass and dirt you can sink your hands into, lots of play time with your cousins and friends, adventures as you begin walking and seeing a whole new level of this crazy world, and lots of cuddles with your Mama and Dad. Love you so much.