Dec 23rd 2011

This was written to my daughter a year after we were able to bring her home from the NICU.

A year ago today we brought our little miracle Lilly home. After nearly a month in the NICU, the horror of having to leave you in a city so far away with all the nurses and monitors. Your first trip in an ambulance so you could be closer, the fears of your health- but you were strong, stronger than any of the specialist expected. Our precious Little early Christmas present. We love you so much lit...tle one. You've grown so much and yet our journey is just beginning. In the past year which seems like it has flown by we've learned that you hate the fireworks of the 4th, are intrigued by Halloween and the strangers opening their homes and giving you things and absolutely love Christmas lights and colors. You're our little flirt who steals strangers hearts with a glance or a smile. You have a very sting personality from demanding we give you the food we eat to wanting to cuddle every night before bed you are a precocious little one. And you have no idea how very blessed we are to have such wonderful friends and family who love you almost as much as we do ^_~. You are the joy of your daddy Matt and my life and you make it all worth while

My little lilly,
You're now a little person, no longer the little baby that was soley dependent on us. Any day now your going to let go of that coffee table or couch and just start running (walking on your own just isnt fast enough for you). The day you started crawling you stood up on your own, it was so crazy your dad and I couldnt believe it. You are so head strong, and you let us know what you want and when you want it. You have always had your own attitude and personality. (you did have to come out of the womb two months early :-P)But now it shows more. Its hard to believe that a little over a year ago you were just a tiny little thing weighing less than 3lbs and were dependent on an incubator to keep warm.
You interact with us like a little kid now.
You hold the phone up to your ear and chatter
You have two baby teeth on the bottom and two teeth coming in up top
You have full conversations with us and expect a response when you Babble
The other day we noticed how you respond to social ques and how when we laugh you laugh right back at us
You give little baby kisses and have for a little while now, your hugs are the most amazing things ever and they make all the bad things go away. But even though you love to cuddle you are no longer the hold me hug me baby you once were. Oh no sir you have places to go and people to see. If you cant be crawling around or walking you are not a content baby.
You love all animals even when they bit you and you think the aquarium is the best thing ever.
You love spending time with your cousins and going over to their house is like having your own little play gym.
You love the park
You love to play and hate to be alone. (good thing your brothers on his way to keep you company)
Today you stole your dads wii mote and wouldnt let it go for the life of you. Daddys so excited he thinks it means you will be playing with him soon.
I love you my little one