One whole year

Dear Ella,
Please forgive me for being a day late on writing to you. Yesterday was such a festive day, I couldn't put you down long enough to type. Before I begin all the birthday sappyness, I will begin by telling you how proud I am of the little girl you are becoming. You are already walking and within days im sure you will be running! Today poppa and I took you up and down the sidewalk, walking side by side. You walked so much, and you wanted to just keep going. I put your little slip on shoes and you were ready to go. Pretty soon you'll know what it means when I put your shoes on and you'll be soooo excited to walk out the door.
I'm also proud of your spirit. You have the most lively personality. I swear your cheeks must hurt from smiling so much. You are such a happy baby with such a bubbly and determined personality.
I wonder if you take after your poppa in personality. Everyone says you are he exact image of me as a child. So perhaps the honors go to poppa. Of course you are a person all your own but poppa and I love to figure out who you most resemble.
I cannot believe that 1 year ago I was holding a fragile newborn life in my hands. A life I had given, you.
I absolutely love you so much. Words cannot describe the feeling I get when I look at you, observing your mannerisms and hearing you whisper so softly to yourself. You make me laugh, cry tears of joy, smile ear to ear and imagine all the possibilities of your bright future. Nothing can stop you from achieving the most amazing things. Both poppa and I will be there along every step of the way being your biggest cheerleaders. Though the first year, the baby year may be past us. This only marks another beginning to a new exciting chapter. And though you may be a walking, babbling toddler grasping for independence, in my heart you will always be that warm, sweet smelling baby I first held in that hospital June 18 at 7:55am, the day before fathers day. I love you, I cannot wait to see the amazing woman you will become one day. Love you always and forever my Ella bear. -momma