Dear Noel or "Noey girl", as we most often call you: Happy Birthday, my precious daughter! I cannot believe you're one year old already & that we all survived this year:). It began on a blustery Sunday--peaceful in the Salem Hospital--but soon became a roar. Arriving home to a 15-month old big sister didn't leave much time, peace or quiet to wonder in awe over you, but you soon found a way to make sure we knew you were here. You developed colic at 2 1/2 weeks. Until you were about 3 months old you screamed most of your waking hours--which were a lot since you were in so much pain. We cried too at the heartache of your discomfort, the helplessness of not being able to soothe you & the pure exhaustion. We wondered if it would ever end & then what your temperament would be like--if you would be "difficult" like the books suggested.
Much to our delight, you didn't fit the mold. You became the most mellow & contented baby I could've dreamed of. Watching you emerge from colic was not only a relief, but purely heart-warming because we finally got to know you and fall in love with you. Now we could see your eyes - not always squinted in pain & crying. We got to make you smile & laugh and Grace also became very enamored with you. I think the bitterness of those 1st months made the rest of your 1st year especially sweet!
You have brought us so much joy. You have the sweetest personality. You cling to daddy & me like a little monkey. You get pretty well bruised by your big sister and you are slight in frame -- not even reaching the 0 percentile for weight -- but you are a tough, resilient little thing, rarely crying!
You are super social... been waving like a wild girl for several months and recently "hi" became your official first word, which you eagerly greet people with -- everyone who walked past on the airplane received many "hi's" from you. You are Grace's biggest fan, laughing at all of her antics. And how can I forget--you're full on walking now, as of the last day of 2008. You love your new-found freedom & with this independence has come a little more spunk & attitude.
We thank God each day for the unexpected gift He gave us in you. We're so thankful His plans were better than our own:). We love you, Little Munchie, and are privileged to have you and celebrate this milestone with you!
Love, Mommy
