Happy First Birthday, Sophia!

Dear Sophia,

A year ago today I shed tears on your blanket. So happy to meet you and so in love.

Today I am stunned at how my love has already grown. Sweet, but sassy; can you already challenge me with your wit? Afraid so.

Your beautiful eyes and charming smile draw others to you. They don't know why, but I do. You love. My heart swells to know that you feel and understand love already in your first year. And already you freely share your heart with others.

As you toddle around while holding your daddy's fingers, I can only try to imagine how much more I will love you as I get to know you better. One year has only been a whisper of the love I'm confident you will inspire.

Happy birthday to the sweetest little girl I know.

Love,
Mommy

First Family Vacation

We just returned from our first family vacation. It was far more enjoyable than we had imagined. Traveling with an 11-month-old is risky business to say the least. Sophia had the best time of her life, and so did we. It was such a joy to get to watch her soak everything in. From the beaches to the culture to the many different languages. We wondered if she could really tell the difference in language since I am sure that she understands many of our words as little as she understood those around us.

We can't wait to go on another trip. Now that we know she can handle flights and timechanges, the only thing standing in our way is work and money. Any ideas on how to get around those?