The Carter Family: GRACIE IS ONE YEAR OLD

Our precious little miracle turned one today...August 13, 2009. One year ago, she came into our lives and over the past year, we have watched her blossom into such an amazing little person. God created the perfect little girl and she is the perfect little fit for our family. Everyday I see traits of both Chris & I in her - I love to hear who people think she looks like - some say Chris, some say Melissa - but no matter who they say, I just smile and say thanks - because I know she looks like both of us!!!

I started this blog when she was 2 months old - at first, it was my stress relief but over time, I find it becoming my brag book - how can I not brag on her - she is such a delight and we are so proud of her every moment of every day!!! But most of all, I hope this blog can be a diary for her - I hope she can look back when she gets older and read these words and understand how much we love her and how thankful we are that God gave her to us to raise on this earth.

Dear Sweet Gracie - Today is your one year old birthday!!! You have grown up so much this month! You are now an official toddler - even though you have been acting like one for a few months now. In honor of your first year on this earth, I decided to list the top 12 things we love about you.

1. We love your laugh - you have the most precious laugh - you are so ticklish, especially on your toes and your thighs.

2. We love your little voice - you have the sweetest little voice and you are going to have to learn the difference between inside voice and outside voice as you get older (that is something you take after your mommy) - you already have so many words: wow, dog, mama, da (daddy), no, more - the list gets bigger every day!!!

3. We love the way you snuggle right before you fall asleep - we are suckers and still rock you before putting you to bed but the reason is simple - you are the sweetest snuggler - you will bury your face into our chest and just smile so big -

4. We love your energy - you keep us young!!! You never stop moving, exploring, climbing - learning and we are so thankful for such an energetic little girl - that personality will get you far one day!!!

5. We love the way you look for Daddy in the mornings - you know the routine!!! Every morning when mommy comes in to get you up, you reach for your blankie and start looking down the hall for Daddy - you call his name over & over until he comes to feed you a bottle.

6. We love your tricks & the fact that you will perform them for others - you can tell us what the dog, cow & monkey say. You can stomp your foot and your dance moves are precious. You love to touch your nose and your "silly" face is so funny!!

7. We love the way you light up when you see your loved ones - especially your cousins!!! You truly love them and that just makes our hearts so happy.

8. We love the way you react at new and exciting things - you say"oh, wow" and make the most precious excited face.

9. We love how much you love us!! You are so sweet and love to be held - you will hold your arms out and say "up" whenever you want us to hold you

10. We love your kisses - you give the sweetest kisses and are very generous with them - even to others!!

11. We love that you make us better people!! We strive to be good examples, loving parents. We hope that we can always show you who Christ is through our actions and words - we hope you will see haw grateful to Jesus we are every day for allowing you to be our little girl.

12. We love you because you are you - you were wonderfully made by God, place in mommy's tummy and brought into this world for a purpose - although you are still small, everyday is a day God has given for you to shine for him - we love that even as a child we will be able to teach you how to love the Lord with ALL your heart!!

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!!! We love you sooooooo much!!!