For my little sunbeam on her first birthday

Dear Gracie Girl,

As soon as I found out I was pregnant with you, Daddy and I started calling you "sunbeam." In the car on the way to work every morning, I would sing the Sunbeam song to you and when you were big enough to be noticeable, I could feel you dancing as I sang.

Since you entered the world, you have lived up to your nickname and then some. Throughout the months, your smile has been contagious to those around you. You force strangers out of their daydreaming and into your happy little world and you have totally captivated those of us closest to you. You love life and everything and everyone in it. You haven't started walking yet because when you get on your feet, you dance (and it's kind of hard to balance that way!) :)

As I expected before you were born, you have wrapped your daddy tightly around your little finger. The two of you have a special bond and it warms mommy's heart to see you together. Your brother is smitten with you too. He is 11 and busy with all kinds of things, but he always has time to make you giggle. And you adore your "Ty Ty" as well.

Two days ago, I learned that you will be my only daughter. My sweet girl, you are all I could have ever hoped for in a daughter. You light up my life. In just a year with you I have learned that a smile really can change someone's day for the better and when in doubt, laughter always works. :) I can never put into words just how much sunshine you spread on all those around you, especially me. Thank you for making me a better person. I love you more than words can express. Happy Birthday!

Mommy