Before I post Alaina's stage birthday pictures, I wanted to show Alaina in her absolute true form. This photo is Alaina defined, with crazy hair, dressed in a hoodie and diaper since we had already gone through two dresses by 9:00 AM, and wearing her new favorite shoes that she asked to put on the moment she woke up.


My Sweets,

Your favorite things are shoes and candy.

You put an upward inflection on the words Mama and Dada, making your sentences sound like you're begging. :)

You are a very happy child unless you feel like someone is mad at you, and then you feel like your whole world is crashing down.

You are sweet and gentle.

You love watching Thomas the Tank Engine.

You hate to have your hair done.

You and your dad bond over having eggs for brunch.

You are a fabulous eater.

You are beginning to stand your ground when it comes to your big brother picking on you.

I think we may have cracked the code to getting you to sleep past 6 AM - keeping your light on until
midnight. If you could explain that one to me, I'd be grateful.

In the past few weeks, you have all but stopped your quiet babble. We are so excited to hear your new words every day, but sad to see your unique language disappear.

Your favorite person is your Mama, and I intend to keep it that way for as long as possible.

Your skin is so soft and always smells sweet. I kiss you hundreds of times a day.

You kiss me back, and it may just be my favorite thing in the whole world.

You insist on taking books and magazines to bed, your recent favorite being Reader's Digest.

You love to draw and don't scribble like most children your age. All your lines are calculated and precise.

When I watch you, I feel like I'm watching myself as a child.

I love you more than you will EVER know. You are and will always be my baby girl.