Dear Penelope,
I can’t believe you are already a year old! Where has the time gone? It seems like only yesterday I was at the hospital, holding you for the first time. I was filled with such love and emotion that day. You were absolutely beautiful then and you have grown even more beautiful with each passing day.
Watching your personality develop has been a joy. You smile and laugh at other babies, even when they are not as enthusiastic. 🙂 When we walk into a room, you scan and take it all in. New people are given the once over (as it should be) but you never cry (yet!) over meeting someone you don’t know.
I see other parts of who I think you will be. Forward, assertive, a leader. I took you into a restaurant once and while we were waiting for our guest, I sat you on the table. You opened your arms and began to babble. It was as if you were addressing the crowd. The same thing happens when we go to church. You love to look around and take it all in. I feel like you are absorbing, maybe memorizing it all so that you will always know that church is your home.
Your parents love you deeply and have made many changes to place you first in their lives. They have the entire living room buffered for your safety. Your bedroom overflows with books, stuffed animals and clothes. The toys you have are great for learning. You love to explore, punch musical buttons, and play with your favorite toys all day long.
Seeing the advantages and love you have gives me much to pray for. For all the other babies in the world, I wish that they would be as loved and cared for as you are. When I am not with you, I am never concerned for your safety for I know that your parents are on it. They keep an eye out for you always.
Watching you grow so fast in the first year has been a remarkable experience for all of us. I look forward to the next year and all the joy you will continue to bring to us!!
Love, Nana
“I don’t remember who said this, but there really are places in the heart you don’t even know exist until you love a child.”
― Anne Lamott, Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son’s First Year
Beautiful Joanne! Oh my, I can’t believe PK will be one in a matter of days! Please give her, and the whole Clan, a big hug and kiss for us. Xoxo Cally
Of course I will!! Thanks Cally ❤️
Jeepers, that year went by fast!
Hug for Nana and a little smooch for Sweet Pea.
Thanks for sharing pure goodness.
Smiling.
That was fast wasn’t it? Thank you for all the love and devotion you kindly showed this year! ❤️
Beautiful words and pictures! Happy birthday to your sweet girl.
Thank you so much Kristen ❤️
Hi Joanne, I have so enjoyed watching Penny grow through all your blog and facebook posts! As a grandparent myself, I can truly feel the love you have for her and the pride that fills your heart, ? not only for her, but for her wonderful parents also! They are so cool. I think it’s such a blessing, and I so appreciate as Iam sure you do, that we have been given the opportunity, soon after birth, to “enjoy” our grandchildren! The special bonds we are developing will last a lifetime. Sometimes I just have to sit back and say…..”that’s you God”,…when they share such loving and tender moments with Jim or me. Starting with their first birthday, I write something that I love about them from that year. They each get as many ….”I love you because” ….as they are old. They love it and look forward to getting them every year. The pictures you shared are very touching & beautiful. I love the quote from Amn Lamott. Happy Birthday to Penny. No blizzard this year❄❄❄???
Oh I love this Cindy! You have captured the true heart of a grandparent ❤ and I love the special things that you do for your own. Thank you for being along with me this whole year, loving and encouraging me through it all. You are truly special. And yes, no blizzard!
Dear Penny,
I remember when your Grandma first told me about you. She loves you more every day and all of her friends have loved watching you grow. You are a loved young lady. xo
Grandma Joanne’s friend, Michelle
Dear Nana’s friend Michelle,
I had a wonderful birthday. Thank you so much for calling me a loved young lady.
I surely am.
Penelope xoxo
<3
Belated Happy Birthday!
Thank you! ❤️