dear my sweet hannah,

tomorrow you turn one. I don't even know where to begin. I cant express into words how you have changed our lives and how much we love you. Being pregnant with you was such an exciting time- I remember wondering who you would look like, what kind of baby you would be, what kind of personality you would have, when you would smile, laugh, and walk. You have done all those things and its amazing now to think that I ever wondered what all those things would be like. Because I cannot for the life of me remember life without you. How boring it would be :) You fill our lives, our home and our hearts with the purest joy. To watch life through a baby is truly one of Gods miracles. To watch the transformations of a baby to a one year old is incredible.
Ive watched a quiet (very good!), beautiful baby turn into the funniest, sweetest, busiest and even more beautiful one year old. Ive watched you turn into a COMPLETE daddys girl- which melts my heart beyond words.
Ive cherished the last year getting to know you. I love that the only things that matter to you are a full belly, toys, your paci, and your family (even ruby too!). I love that within minutes of waking up you are laughing and ready to play. I love that you love to cuddle between us. We love it too. We absolutely love nothing more than the nights spent playing and laughing with you. We have loved watching all of your firsts- and are so excited for the ones to come.
When I found out you were a girl- my mind immediately went to pink clothes, headbands, and adorable dresses. But over the last year I have realized having a daughter is a gift. A true gift. I will get to watch you get married and have your own children- what a gift that is. I know we will one day have the relationship that my mom and I have. We will get to be best friends. And I cant wait. You are not only my daughter Hannah Elizabeth, but you are my best friend. You have changed my life in so many ways. You make me a better person. You make me work harder to help provide the best possible life for you. Everything we do now is for you. Because {almost} one year ago you gave us the greatest gift ever created. You are the gift that keeps on giving, smiling and laughing. Your smile is contagious- you make your dad and I want to be better parents. Not only do we want to be better parents but because of you we are a better husband and wife. All because {almost} one year ago, all 9 pds 6 oz of you entered the world.

Thank you Hannah for being you- and most of all thank you for being my daughter.