Dear Elise,
Tomorrow you will turn two. There will be cake and balloons, and you will celebrate with friends and family. But before you do, I want you to know, that I have loved you being one! I remember when you said your first word - dog. I remember the joy in your little face as you chased your dogs through the house.( The dogs weren't always as joyful!) I remember feeling afraid everytime we sat down to eat. I hated it when you struggled to swallow. I remember you spitting barium all over the X-ray room as six doctors and technicians attempted to distract you with phones and bells enough to get you to drink that horrible stuff. I remember your daddy teaching you "cheers" and things becoming easier! I remember trying to comfort you as you cut your first set of big molars. And I remember those molars making the difference and no longer feeling afraid. I remember you and your daddy dancing around the kitchen as I made supper. I remember feeling frustrated because you were in my way and wanting to kick the two of you out. I remember choosing not to, because I knew, deep down, that 20 years from now, I will not remember what I made for supper, but I will remember you dancing. I remember the gigantic smile on your face when you met your little sister. You are such a good big sister. I remember the first time you said "love you" and "mommy funny." I remember making cookies and biscuits, painting and colouring, singing and reading. I remember the pride in your face when you first slept in your big girl bed and the way you would clumsily sneak out of bed some mornings. I remember holding you when you were sick, tickling you when you were silly and laughing at the way you would say "gotcha" when in fact, you were the one who had been "got."
Being one has had it's ups and downs for you, but we are thankful for way more ups than downs! here are a few of your favourite things:
Favourite foods -"hot chicken," rice, peas, oatmeal, cookies, chocolate, and oranges
Favourite TV show- Blues Clues
Favourite song - Who Let the Dogs Out by the Baha Men
Favourite Friends - Zion, Malachi, Courtney, and Judy.
Favourite book - In a People House by Theo LeSieg
Favourite activity- cookin' and cleanin'
Favourite animals - sheep, dogs, and kitties
Favourite colour - blue
Oh what fun having a one year old has been! We've tried to capture it well, even though you hate having your picture taken and you scream "no! Off!" every time. I think we've done a pretty good job. I look forward to new memories, but hope that as time continues to pass, these memories will never fade. I love you my sweet, determined, bouncy little Lee Lee! I am sure proud to be your mama and am always thankful for every moment I get to spend with you!
Love,
Your biggest fan - Mom