Dear Annabelle...

In the last week or so, you have discovered your voice. You coo and yell and make all sorts of sounds that resemble a velseloraptor. Your dad and I love when you 'talk' to us, it makes us laugh and we find ourselves dropping everything to talk to you. There is nothing else now that makes us laugh as much or is as fun.

I have realized that the joy that I feel when we are 'talking' to us, it so far beyond anything I have ever felt. Watching you grow and learn makes me so happy that I tear up sometimes thinking that you are really mine. You are already an amazing little girl and I can't wait to see all of the things you learn as you grow up.

We love you, baby! Keep on 'yapping'.

Happy Father's Day!!!

Belle loves her daddy!!!!

I think you always believe that your husband will be a good dad. Ty has lived up to that belief. Every night when he comes home and says hi to Annabelle, she gives him a huge smile because she recognizes that this is her daddy. Every night he reads her a story, she listens intently because he is that good.

So for all of that, Annabelle loves her daddy!

A day at the beach...

..Annabelle took her very first dip the other day. I wasn't sure how she was going to like it. She does okay with baths but I can't control the temp of the lake.

So we headed in! At first she gave a funny look when her feet hit the water....not upset but just not sure. She ended up doing just fine! We only stayed in the water for about 5 mintues before she started to wimper but a sucess overall!

Dear Annabelle....

Today in sunday school, the subject was on parent. I have to admit that before you were born, I used to hate this subject. It just felt like everyone else in the room could relate to the subject and I was sitting there left out. This week was different.

One thing that was brought up was the need most mothers feel to control their children. Someone brought up that when her daughter was young, she was very strong willed and stubborn. She spent a good amount of time trying to change her baby to act a certain way, a way she thought was 'perfect' for a little girl. He husband came to her one day and said, 'we shouldn't try and change her. What we consider difficult and stubborn now, may be what she needs to get through though situations when she is older.'

This woman proceeded to tell us that this spirit is the exact thing that has helped her daughter in the many trials she has faced as a young adult. She was so thankful that she was able to maintain that strength.

This lesson is a prime example of what I didn't knew I needed to hear until I already heard it. Baby, I promise you that I will try to always nurture your spirit and who you are. I love you dearly and can't wait to see who you become.

Momma