My Dearest Anabelle

You are a little over eighteen months now and your personality is soaring. While I watch you grow everyday, I see both daddy and myself in you. You are a shy and cautious little girl when you enter new surroundings. Adults flock to you and comment on how gorgeous you are! Even children of all ages are drawn to you. I witness children stare at you everyday and try with all their might to get you to smile at them. When we hang out on the playground, the other kids come running up to you asking to play. You shy away, and bury your face in my legs for security. I've come to understand that you need a solid fifteen minutes to warm up to a new place. This is no different when we visit family and friends that you have seen on numerous occasions.  You have a golden, soft heart baby girl and you shower me with so much love everyday. I'm in awe in how much you adore affection. We can be strolling through the store and you will lean in and give me a kiss on the lips and embrace me in a sincere hug. If I sit or lay on the ground, you'll run up to me and embrace me with one arm, cheek to cheek.  You're at a stage in life where you cling to me. When we are together, you want to be held and cuddled in public. You don't want to let anyone else hold you, even daddy! You morph into a spider monkey in crowds and hold on to me for dear life. And that's okay. I know this stage isn't permanent, and there will be day where you won't need me as much, so I'm enjoying this all I can.  I've noticed that when I'm not around, you are so independent. You take risks, play and interact with those around you. I watch you when you think I'm not looking and stare in utter amazement. You're so incredibly bright that even your teachers comment how advanced you are. You can pick up things so quickly and you just love learning, reading, listening, soaking it all in. You were like this as a newborn, and I'm thrilled this trait remained true. I never imagined a bond with another human being could be so deep within my soul. I'm so blessed to call you my daughter. Please don't grow up. I want to soak up your smallness forever. And ever.