Ainsley Kristine...

Dear Ainsley,

As I watch you playing from the kitchen, I'm in awe of how fast the past year went.  You went from newborn to toddler WAY too fast for your mommy!  Where has the time gone?

You are such a sweet baby girl.  With your big blue eyes and charming smile, you always light up the room.  It's fun to compare you to your older siblings.  In many ways you are like Kaden: blue eyes, light hair, the way you sit (like mom did when she was little too), your smile, and your laid back ways.  In other ways you are like Makenna: big round face, kissable chubby cheeks, and all girl.  Some ways in which you are unique: pigeon-toed (like mom), mysterious napper, rarely sleep in the car, petite compared to both older siblings (shorter and lighter), tiny feet, and lovable double chin! :)

You have accomplished so much in your first year of life...sleeping through the night, rolling over, sitting up, eating baby food, taking bottles, crawling, waving, eating table food, holding your bottle, clapping, pointing, and now most recently pulling yourself up to stand.  You might be the most laid back baby with moving, as you don't seem close to walking yet! :)  I think I'm okay with that!  You also are quite the talker saying lots of sounds: bababa, dadada (your favorite by far), hiiii, nanana (a close second), tttt (for your teddy), sss, and mamama (only a few times).  You have gone through stages of stranger anxiety already, but also do well going to nursery and BSF most days.  You are a mommy's girl, though, and if I'm around, you prefer me.  You have started to reach out towards others when I'm holding you, though, and seem to be very social!

Lastly, things you love...
You love to lay your head on my shoulder when you're tired and snuggle while sucking your thumb. (this may be my favorite thing in the whole world! :))  You love your teddy that you sleep with and cuddle with it.  You love to take your socks and shoes off anywhere...in your crib, in your high chair, in your car seat, in your stroller, in the shopping cart, on the changing table...and then you like to try and put them back on your feet.  You love to go down the stairs with mom while racing Kaden...it makes you giggle every time.  You love to grab at Kaden and play rough with him.  You love to get attention from Makenna and "chat" with her if she is talking to you.  You love to play with Makenna's dolls too, and even carry them like a baby.  You love it when people sing or when you hear music, and you usually start to bob your head and bounce a little to the music.  You love to take a bath!  You love your bottle right away in the morning and usually have it finished by the time I'm done changing your diaper and putting your clothes on.  You love food, and eat almost anything you are given.  You especially love desserts or sweets, and cry cry cry if you think you didn't get enough bites from us.  You love to be tickled or have your tummy blown on...it makes you laugh hysterically sometimes.  You love to grab people's noses.  You love to pull up to your knees and do it several times a day.  You love to see me when I come into your room after a nap or come get you from a sitter, BSF, or nursery, and you make it known by loudly squealing in delight!

We love you, Ains!  We look forward to all the good Lord has in store for your life in the days and years ahead.  You are a special girl, and we are so thankful to God for bringing you into our family one year ago!

We love you, tooties!

Daddy & Mommy