One year and three months. WOW.

Yes, it is hard to believe that it has been only and already just over a year since our Carly came into our lives. It seems like both yesterday and so long ago that I jumped on top of my sleeping husband with a big smile on my face and tears in my eyes to announce Carly's beginning. Since then, our lives have changed forever.

I love being Carly's mommy. I love seeing this perfect little creature I've made blossom before my eyes, knowing that I am helping her to become what she will be. Now I understand that there can be no greater love than a mother's for her child. She is my everything. It doesn't matter the kind of day I've had, the funk I'm in, or what might be weighing on my mind. When I see my daughter flash her beaming smile, throw her arms open and yell "Mama!" my heart is happy. That is what it's all about. I love my daughter, I love my husband, I love my family.

Carly is so easy to love because she is such an amazing and joyful child. She is so full of wonder and greets the day as if she's saying, "Okay world, here I come! What do you have for me today?" Her mind is like a sponge, absorbing everything around her. She loves to learn and astounds me with just how smart she is.

Here is a bit of info about Carly at one year and three months old. Carly...

Loves to walk and is starting to run
Says and appropriately uses more than 75 words
Repeats the alphabet and numbers 1-10
Enjoys going swimming
Likes Classical music and Jazz
Dances to music
Sings and requests specific songs
Loves to read books
Completes the sentences in her books
Knows animal names and sounds
Knows body parts from head to toe
Remembers the names of people she meets
Gives the sweetest kisses and hugs
Laughs hysterically at silly things (usually Mommy and Daddy)
Likes veggies and fruit
Knows where we're going in the car just by the scenery
And on and on and on.....