A Year of Ailey Grace

Today is Ailey's 1st birthday.

She's still so much my baby that it's hard to believe that she is 1!

Ailey is, above all things, sweet. Ever since the day she was born I knew that her soul was gentle, easygoing, loving, and happy. Always a cuddler, always in-tune with the emotions of others. Always quick to offer up her big, beautiful smile to others, and to then remember that she is a bit timid and turn away with those BIG blue eyes. At least once every single day she will stop what she is doing, put her sweet little hand up on my cheek, and plant a giant wet kiss on my face. How can I every get too sad about anything with a little blessing in my life like that!?

I love to watch her with her siblings. Her and Joey often disappear into their own world full of giggles and jibber-jabber. She watches his every move and is learning from him constantly. When he walks into the room her eyes light up and she stops what she is doing to let him know she notices that he's there.

With Conner, she gets so excited to see him! Since she never really knows when he will show up, every time she sees him is like the first time in years. She will leap from my arms to wrap her hands around his neck and kiss him all over his face. This is funny to watch as she is being sweet, but those kisses are so full of drool that Conner gets a bit grossed-out by it:)

And finally, with Carly, well.....Carly is more like another Mommy to Ailey. When Ailey is hurt or hungry, tired or scared, if I'm out of sight and Carly is near, she will go straight to her for comfort.

It's such a sweet thing watching your children love one another.

No one can make Ailey laugh like her Daddy. Just the sound of Daddy coming through the front door will make Ailey giggle 4 rooms away. How lucky all my children are to have a Daddy that rarely travels and who cares so deeply for them.

It's been an amazing year with an amazing little girl! Happy Birthday Ailey Grace Montgomery!