... love as we know it ...: Riley, you're ONE!

Dear Riley,
You are one today! None of us can believe how quickly this year has passed. You are the sweetest, funniest, loveable baby girl. You've got us all wrapped around your chubby little finger. I remember the second you were born - they (the doctor or nurse - I can't remember who because I was too busy looking at my DAUGHTER!) put you in my arms and I (of course) immediately started crying, see?:

There aren't words to tell you just how much we love you, and that includes your doting big brother. I love how you love each other and pray that you continue to have such a close bond. You both are so blessed to have each other. We can't remember life without you and are so thankful each day that God chose us as your parents!

You are our dancing queen! If you hear music playing, you drop everything you're doing and boogie on down. It's probably the cutest thing ever. You L.O.V.E. stuffed animals and babies - I'm talking love, true love. You hug them and hold them and carry them and kiss them. You also love wearing sunglasses - in fact, you got your very own pair for your birthday! Your favorite word of all is "Hi!" Even if you don't have a phone (or something that even resembles a phone), you'll put your hand up to your ear (like a phone) and say, "Hi!" You like to say, "num num num..." if you really like what you're eating - it's hilarious! You hear your brother say, "MOM!" all day long and you've started just saying, "Mom." You're not necessarily calling me Mom, you just walk around and blurt it out sometimes :). You can say "mama" and "dada." And you say "bebe." You have such a wonderful disposition and you are happy to go with the flow (unless the flow leads you to your carseat - you hate riding in the car... maybe that will change when we can turn your seat around?). Here are a few pictures from your birthday!