Dear Amelie...

.....I can't believe you are one year old already! How did that happen?
It's been the most amazing year, seriously. It's been the most exhausting, exhilarating, fantastic, fun filled year of discovery we could ever have imagined.
You are so clever and sweet, and you make us all smile every single day. You really are an innocent bundle of joy and possibility. To you, the whole world is a magical place, where the sound of a bird tweeting or the sight of a balloon is enough to make you squeal with happiness. I hope you always see the magic in the world, and thank you for reminding us what it's like to see life through brand new eyes.
We have taught you so much this year - we've taught you to enjoy good food, to not touch dangerous things (that one's a work in progress), that a doggie says "woof" and a birdie says "tweet tweet" and that sleep really isn't such a bad thing after all.
You have taught us so much more than that. You've taught us to live in the moment, to get excited about the little things, like flowers and juice and tickly raindrops on our skin.
You've reminded us that when you hear a good tune, there's nothing that should stop you from dancing right there and then, with the biggest smile on your face.
You've taught us that even on very little sleep, it's still possible to wake up smiling and continue to spread fun and laughter through the day.
You've taught us the meaning of patience and perseverance - even though you've been my most "sleepless" baby, you've also been the most enjoyable, because far from feeling sorry for myself in my constant tiredness, I've learned that smiling and getting on with it is so much more positive.
I guess it took me three kids to realise how fast this childhood malarkey really goes.
Your joy and positivity has rubbed off on all of us, and given us all a new energy. We were always happy, positive people before, but you have given us even more sparkle and zest for life.

Thank you, for all of these things and so much more.
Here's to the next year, and the next, and the next!
How wonderful life is, now you're in the world.

Mummy, Daddy, Charlie and Daisy xxxxxxxxxxxxxx