Dear Genevieve

I cannot believe how fast this first year has gone.   It seems like yesterday I was walking to the mailbox, having to stop every few houses in order to wait for a contraction to pass. I had to push a maximum of 10 minutes, it was quick.  It was love at first sight, even if it was the middle of the night.   Now look at you... super independent, yet a cuddler when you want to be. 

As Grandma Greving says, "God gave us an easy baby because he knew all the other things we were going to deal with."   And you are such an easy baby!   You moved from place to place after the fire, without a change in schedule or attitude.   There were times at Aunt Megan and Uncle Mike's house when we would lay you on the floor, go to eat dinner and forget for a second that you were even there. 
You slept through the night early on and, for the most part, you haven't looked back.   You have had some ear issues (not surprising), but nothing having tubes put in couldn't fix. 

Day-care loves you and I am often asked, "Was Ellie this easy?"  You love it when I come visit over my lunch hour, and I love the extra couple minutes I get with you.  

You absolutely adore your big sister.   And she loves you.  It is amazing seeing the bond that the two of you have with each other, even this early in your lives.   There are times when nothing will make you happy, except for Ellie's attention.   You love playing with her toys and watching her run around.  I can definately tell you are the second child, you like all the action and get bored if there is nothing going on around you.

You enjoy being outside.  The wind in your face or snow flakes falling on you makes you smile.  Daddy cannot wait to take you out on bike rides with Ellie!  I am sure you will love it, as you always want to do what Ellie does.

You walked on your own time.   You were taking steps early on, but have just now started to walk more consistently.  It is definately an "if Neve wants to thing"... if we stand you up and you are not in the mood you instantly blop on your bottom and crawl (this is pretty much any time we try to get you to walk).  You are also very proud of yourself when you walk, and tend to stop part way through to clap for yourself.

You are a pickier eater than Ellie was.   Very selective and often times Cheerios will not cut it with you (you prefer the yogurt melts).     Surprisingly, you love eating meat (chicken, beef, ham, anything)!  You love nursing, and throw your head back to let me know you want more.

You love your pacifier.  You never use one at day-care, but will 'hunt' for them at home.  It is amazing how quickly you find them.

You are a bit of a Mommy's girl, but are coming around to Daddy more and more.  

You complete our family, and we are so lucky to have you in our lives.

We love you, Neve!

Love,
Mommy