A Year of Alice

My Dear Sweet Alice,
This past year has been the best and the hardest in my life. I cannot remember what life was before you were here, and never, in my wildest dreams, would I ever go back to life before my sweet Miss Alice. You are our miracle, the most wanted baby in the world. This is what I remember most about this past year with you.

The first thing I said when I first saw you was, "She's so pretty!" Everyone had prepared me for a wrinkly, red, skinny baby. But you were pink, plump, and ready for the world.

You were such a good baby when we had these pictures taken. Only three weeks old, and already cooperating. I love this look on your face...like you were so glad to finally be with us.

Your very fist Lehi Roundup Parade! The first of many, I am willing to bet. You fell asleep shortly after this picture was taken, and I stashed you under Grandpa Jones' chair to keep you out of the sun. When the sirens and the firetrucks came by, I thought you would wake up crying, but instead, you just slept, happy as a clam, safe and sound. I had a little bit of a Mr.-Holland's-Opus moment when I thought you might be deaf. But then I relaxed when later that day you woke up from Cousin Elise's tantrum. Thank goodness!

You always gave us this wide-eyed look. You always looked as if you wanted to say something, to ask something, or to let us know what you were thinking. You were so curious. In fact, the minute you were born, you were holding up your head to take in the sights. You never slept in the car because you wanted to see and experience everything. Even now, you hate your naps because you're afraid you'll miss something. I love that you want to learn and explore!

This was your first real outing. We took you hiking up in the Uintas. Daddy strapped you into the Bjorn, and off we went. You were so good, as long as we kept moving and gave you plenty to look at. You alway had your tongue hanging out at this point in your life. I tried a couple of times to push it in, but you would have none of it. This is my favorite picture of me and you together. This is how I see us in my mind's eye. Happy with no double chin.

This was my favorite picture. You were so fun at five months! You were laughing for the first time, babbling, and smiling. You loved to take naps with Mommy, and you LOVED to play games with Daddy. You were always so happy and playful, always trying something new, always learning a new trick.

What can I say? Look at that hat! We called you Swiss Miss when we put this on you. But you were so darn cute, we couldn't resist!

This is you with Grandpa Jones. For a while there, all you would do was spit. And you wouldn't stop spitting until you ran out of air. I remember driving with you in the back, listening to a long raspberry, a huge gasp for breath, and then another long raspberry. Everyone thought it was really cute, and no one minded when they got your baby germs sprayed all over their faces.

Needless to say, you were NOT happy about this picture. At this point, you were less patient for the camera, which was constantly in your face. You just wanted to go to sleep. Unfortunately, we still had to go to church that morning. Don't worry, Alice, we were only two weeks away from 11:00 church!

You are such a good eater! You ate anything and everything we put in front of you. The only downfall to this is that, even now, you don't stop when you are full. You just keep on stuffing it in and storing it in those chubby cheeks of yours.

This was my favorite outfit! You looked like a little angel with your white onesie and your white sweat pants. Then I would put on the jacket and this huge flower, and you turned into a sassy angel. I tried many times to get you into the store to get your portrait done, but there was never any money or time. I'm glad I got this picture, at least, before you grew out of it.

This is you in your Easter dress. Again, you weren't very happy. You never are before we go to church. But you looked so grown up and pretty! I wish you could see it better. It was pink and white stripes. And it was the frilliest thing I ever bought for you. I don't know why, but you never struck me as a tulle-tutu girl. No, you seemed more like the overalls-pigtail girl. But I did it up just this once, and then I cried. How did my baby grow up to be this toddler?

My Sweet Miss Alice. This is my favorite picture to date, because, to me, this picture looks like YOU. The Essence of Alice, I guess. You're so happy, walking around, doing your "tricks" for everyone, making them all laugh and adore you. You have such a knack for getting people to make you the center of attention. You're a crowd-stopper, my dear. Literally. People stop me wherever I go to tell me how beautiful you are. The only thing I can reply is, "Yes, she is, isn't she?" because it's true. You see, they are complimenting you on your kissable chubby cheeks, perfect plumpy lips, tear-drop eyes, and your infectious, flirty smile. But what I see as beautiful is your natural curiosity, your ability to make anyone smile, your quick mind, and even, yes, your "sneaky" ways around the rules. I think the way you say, "Hi, Dada" every morning is beautiful, and I think the way you moo at anyone you see because it's your best trick is beautiful. I think the way you play in your crib when you're supposed to be napping is beautiful. I especially think the way you pick up one of Mommy's books (the ones withOUT the pictures) open it up to a page (usually upside down) lean back, and hold the book in front of your nose, just like Mommy does, especially beautiful. We love you, Miss Alice, and you have made our lives happier than we could ever have imagined. You're a special spirit with important things to do--the first month you were with us, you booed at the cartoon Laban and cheered for the cartoon angel--and we are so excited, happy, priviledged, and honored to help you get there. One year down, my sweet girl, and many, many more to go. WE LOVE YOU!