Happy 1st Birthday, Elizabeth!!

Dear Elizabeth,

One year ago today, I was going to the hospital to have you! I was sooooo glad you were a Saint Patrick's Day baby, for many reasons. I had visions of Irish-themed parties, clothes, announcements, invitations - all of it from the day I realized our Dr. was on call on March 17!! It sounded like so much fun to have a baby on a holiday that isn't otherwise very busy (like the 4th of July or Christmas)! And it has been a blast! I have the cutest outfit for you to wear at your party, and matching ones for your sisters. I've been collecting Saint Patrick's Day decorations for a month, and was thrilled to find great selections at the Dollar Tree. I'm about to go frost your cake - yellow cake with chocolate frosting trimmed with green - (I'm sure a shamrock or two will show up) and finish your cupcakes - pink with pink frosting and professional candy shamrocks! I can't wait for your party - to live out my dream of a themed birthday, but much more importantly, to celebrate what a joy you have been to us the past year! (Just so you know, when you're a teenager and convinced that I've never done anything for you, I want you to know that I am operating right now on very little sleep. I've been up until the wee hours of the morning every night for the past week, and then up some more with you or your sister. I'm fully prepared to stay awake until 3 am tonight, making last minute preparations for your party. You're welcome)!
Anyway, I'm sure you've heard me say this many times, but you were my easiest pregnancy and my easiest baby. I had so much energy when I was pregnant; it was sort of like being on a year-long high, because it lasted until you were about 6 months old. I got the whole house organized before you came along, and you turned out to be a super relaxed, laid-back baby who was content to lay in your bassinet or bouncer while I did whatever needed to be done. You are still very relaxed; let's face it - you border on lazy, and I say that with all of the love and affection that I can communicate to you :). (An example of this point is your adamant refusal to hold your own bottle until about a month ago. And I have witnesses who have tried to give you a bottle, and as soon as you are able, you lay back with your arms open wide, making no effort to hold it yourself if you can avoid it. It's adorable)!
Baby girl, you are so loved. Your big sisters love you. Christa often tries to hug you or hold you, and it thrills her when you reach for her and smile. Of course, Mommy and Daddy love you more than I could ever describe. I love your wavy hair and wonder if you will be my curly headed little girl. I love your chubby, pinchable cheeks - so much that I often call you, "cheeks." (Christa coined that nickname for you shortly after we brought you home from the hospital. I love your sweet smile, which I see often, because you are a very happy baby. I love the way you only try to pull up if you want someone to pick you up. I love the way you will sit in my lap or let me hold you as much as I want, rarely squirming to get down. I love the way you will play on your own when I need to care for your sisters or take care of housework. I love the way you are relaxed, and yes, lazy, in some ways. You go with the flow so well, and I think God knew I would need that with 3 babies in less than 4 years.
I could think of so much more to write, but I'm already planning for minimal sleep as it is! I'm off to get some things done so that, hopefully, I can relax and enjoy the day with you tomorrow. I thank God every day for entrusting you to our care, and I pray every night that you will always know how much He loves you and how much we love you!

Happy Birthday, sweet girl!
Love,
Mommy