Our baby is 1!

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY JORDYN CLARE!!!! This has been the best year yet, sweet girl, filled with SO many ups and so minimal downs. I should not have even pluralized down, because the only down I can think of was when there was a point in time around 1 month that you had little episodes of crying for no apparent reason but mommy and daddy learned how to stay calm and soothe you. You are the BEST baby ever. I wouldn't even refer to you as a baby because you are not the typical fussy, whiny, crying baby. You are happy ALL the time, you rarely ever cry, and have a smile on your face close to 24/7. Heck, you wake up with a smile before even opening your baby blue eyes!

So far, you have not made mommy and daddy suffer through some of the horrifying teething stories that we've heard from other friends with kids. The only way we know you are teething is if you take longer naps, try to chew on everything you can get your hands on, or have a decreased appetite. Otherwise, before we know it, the tooth pops through and you surprise us all with no major apparent signs of teething like fussiness, fever, ear aches, etc! As of your 1st birthday, you have 8 teeth! 4 on top and 4 on the bottom! Our friend Amy was so kind as to give us a natural Amber teething necklace to try out and you wear that every so often just as an added comfort.

 You have taught us so much this past year. We never knew we could love someone so much until you came into our lives. We look back at our lives before you and wonder how we did without you. You have brought us so much love, joy, and pride. You are so loved by SO many people. Everyone comments on how happy and cute you are all at the same time. Even strangers in the grocery store, at church, out in the general public comment how happy you are. You know what they say: A happy baby comes from a happy home. I truly believe that!! You know how much you are loved!

Your daddy and I have loved watching you grow over the past year... it seems as if one minute we are going in for monthly ultrasounds, then onto going in to the hospital to have you, then onto you graduating from the bassinet to the crib, then onto you rolling over for the first time, then onto you sitting on your own, then onto you army crawling, then onto you crawling in full force, then onto you walking!!! So many changes in so little time. We are just so thankful that you are a healthy and growing little girl! Mommy and daddy see a bright future for you, sweet girl.

You love: Ceiling fans(!!), remote controls, cell phones, and your books!
Cartoons you enjoyed over the past year: Doc McStuffins, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse!!, Family Guy, and more Mickey Mouse. Your favorite cartoons at daycare are Sponge Bob Square Pants and Paw Patrol.

Speaking of daycare, Ms. Sherrie expresses to mommy and daddy how much she loves and enjoys you. She has been doing daycare now for 18 years and says you are the best baby that she's ever watched!! That says alot!! We are so proud to call you ours... She keeps warning us of 2 things though; 1) that you are going to turn into a bad toddler or 2) that our next baby is not going to be as good as you! Your pediatrician disagrees with number 1 and I already know that we will compare everything of #2 to you just because you are such an angel :)

You have blessed our lives in so many ways I can't even describe them all. We love you SO much and pray that time slows down! We are going to soak up each and every moment and memory made with you because time is just slipping away.

We will continue to pray for your health and well being, future, and every other thing that surrounds and affects you. You will always be our baby and keep smiling beautiful little girl!

Love,
Mommy and Daddy