Almost Christmas

This month has flown by, and we've had some fun in the busyness of it all.

Tree decorating (and thanks to you, undecorating and redecorating, over and over and over...)
Dad's work party.
A Christmas parade.
Holiday shopping and sight seeing.
Meeting Santa, which was no fun at all for you.

You're not all that into the fun of Christmas yet, but you enjoy going along for the ride.

You, Garrett and I also spent a week this month being sick, but we're all finally feeling better and now Christmas is just a week away and there's still so much to do!

A letter to my little girl...

Dear Addie,

You've been with us for just over a year now.  I remember when I found out I was pregnant with you.  I was shocked and overwhelmed because you're brother was just 4 months old.  But I remember instantly loving you and worrying that you'd be ok in there for 9 months.  You kept me sick for nearly the entire time, but I'd do it all again for you.  I remember at my ultrasound, seeing your beautiful heart beating, and finding out you were a girl.  I started to cry.  I thought for sure you were a boy because girls only come to the White family every hundred years or so.  I was so happy to hear the news and I'm convinced that every Mama needs a baby girl.

I remember holding you for the first time.  Memorizing your face and looking at every detail of you.  You were a fussy baby and I remember crying with you often and wondering if you'd ever sleep again.  But looking back, it's crazy how fast it all goes by.

Addison, you are perfect to me.  You are so beautiful, inside and out.  I hope you always know and believe how beautiful you are.  You have a sweet personality and you made and smile and laugh everyday.

You're patient with your big brother, even when he's a little too rough with you.  You go with the flow and you're also patient with Dad and me when we don't get things quite right.  Everyone who meets you falls in love, and people tell me often how darling and sweet you are.

I remember thinking, "How will I handle two kids!?"  And now I can't remember, or imagine life without you.

I hope you know how much I love you.  Though, as I type this I think, you'll never really know how much I love you, until maybe when you have a child of your own, will you begin to understand.

Thank you for being my sweet baby girl.

Xoxo, Mom

Your Utah Party

I had an owl themed party for you in Utah at Grandma and Grandpa Greenhalgh's church.  It was so busy, but fun.  And I think you had a great time, even though your only memory of it will be these pictures!  We had a pasta bar, lots of treats, and owl crafts and necklace making for the kids.

Happy Happy Birthday, Sweet Lulu.  I can't believe you're already one.  I love you more and more everyday!

Your California Party

Grandma White threw you a ferry princess party on your birthday.  It was magical.

 She built an Addie sized table and you loved being about to reach and eat anything you wanted.

 You even ate a hot dog with no hands!

There were even real live butterflies flying around in the tent.

 You're such a beautiful girl and we love you so, so much.

Thanksgiving in Utah

We drove to Utah the day after your Birthday to spend the week of Thanksgiving with my family.  We also had a party for you there, and Grandma White had one here for you on your birthday, but I think I'll save those pictures for another post.

 We went to see the lights at City Creek.

 You got to open gifts 3 different times.

 We had Thanksgiving at Uncle Dave's.

 Great Auntie made this for you.

 Uncle Dave gave you pink Air Jordans.

 We rode the train to see the lights at Christmas Village in Ogden.

 I think you liked it.

 Sometimes I hate to admit how much of a Daddy's girl you really are.