November 17 - Twelve Months

Dearest Sydney,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET GIRL!! I can't believe it's been a year since we first laid eyes on you. And what a year it has been- full of laughter and tears and learning and loving and fun... The world is so much better with you in it.

I thank God daily for you! He is already at work in your life, using you in amazing ways, and you don't even realize it yet; I pray that you will realize it soon, and choose to allow Him to continue using you. He's got great plans for you, Baby Girl, I know it. The most significant thing I've learned from you this year is the depth of God's love for me. He sent Jesus, His ONLY Son, to die for us. Syd, there is no one I would sacrifice you to save. It thrills my heart when you hug and kiss me, or when you sit in my lap and cuddle, and I imagine that's similar to the desire God has for us to spend time with him, just enjoying being near. I am convicted in those moments that I need to make sure I set a good example for you. I want you to see Jesus in me.
Syd, you bring so much joy to Daddy & me. Your laugh is the most precious sound in the world- I wish I could bottle it. But for now, I'll just tickle you like crazy to hear it as much as I can. We think you are the smartest baby we've ever seen, and we are SO proud to be your parents.

- You've got tons of personality inside that tiny body of yours! You wear mostly 6-9 month clothes and size 2-3 diapers. We'll get your official stats at your checkup this Friday, but they don't really matter. We know that you are just the right size for YOU!
- You are walking everywhere these days! I've had a hard time finding walking shoes small enough to fit you (size 2 or 0-6 months). You're a prime example of why they call babies at your stage "toddlers", and I love the way you toddle! People tried to "warn" me that I would be sorry when you started walking, but they were wrong. I don't mind chasing you down a bit, and I'm excited for you.

- You eat most anything we offer, and you always want a bite if you see me or Daddy eating without sharing. You're not very picky (so far), and I'm thankful for that. You're getting pretty good at feeding yourself finger foods, and you're improving with the sippy cup. Some of your favorite foods lately: blueberry pancakes, cheese, and enchiladas.

- You LOVE books! You play really well with all of your toys, but I think books are your favorite, with one exception-- your new car! Daddy & I gave you your first car and we've already walked miles around the downstairs of our house pushing you in it. And we love that you're enjoying it so much- we'll happily push you around anytime.

- You've struggled with separation anxiety the past three or four months, but I think it's getting better. You get upset when we leave you (even just walking into another room), although I think you get over your sadness pretty quickly. At least, that's what they tell me in the nursery at church.

- You make me nervous with your daredevil stunt attempts! I'm learning that there is a fine line between wanting to protect you from ever getting hurt and letting you explore the world and learn from your experiences. I'm still working on finding just the right balance between the two. I definitely don't want to squash your adventurous spirit.

- Your communication is improving all the time. You are now signing "more", and we're working on "please" and "thank you." I can tell that you understand a lot more than we give you credit for. You don't have any new words this month, but you're beginning to try to mimic sounds. You say "bye bye" when I get off the phone and you hear me say it.

Sydney, there is so much I could say to you. The most important thing, though, is that Daddy & I love you way more than we can ever say. You're the best thing God has given us in the past three years and we're so blessed to call you our daughter. You are beautiful, strong, feisty, fun, sensitive, bold, funny, intense, and thoughtful. We couldn't ask for anyone better. We love you, Chick Pea.

Happy Birthday, Syd.

Lots of love, mommy