Today I looked into your eyes, really looked.
And you looked back into mine.
I held you tight against my chest, and I swore I’d never let you go.
Every day your eyelashes get a little longer.
The inside of your left elbow is especially warm.
Your head fits perfectly on my shoulder.
My nose fits perfectly at the nape of your neck.
You want to be a big girl, to stand and sit and be tall.
(I was the same way)
A year ago I told the world you were coming.
I know now that I’ve known you forever.
Your personality is infectious.
We laugh together every day.
You already remind me so much of myself that I’m a little scared of when you’re older.
But for now you’re still my baby, and I will hold you, kiss you, tickle and squeeze you.
Tonight we will snuggle, and I will breathe you in, like I do every night when you sleep.
My sweet and precious girl.
{ 134 comments… read them below or add one }
That’s true love at it’s best.
Annie´s last [type] ..Poker Face
She is so intensely beautiful! I love that sweet girl, and her wonderful mama too! Isn’t it amazing how you can get totally overwhelmed by the beauty of your child? Lovely post. Xoxo!!
Emily Bilbrey´s last [type] ..things i am REALLY going to miss about vacation
Her eyes in these shots are AMAZING…great job, mama, on the genetics and the photography:)
Kisha Floren´s last [type] ..Keeping Up With The Florens
Today is a day of “Deep Breaths” as I just sent my husband off to Iraq for a year – leaving me, 3 kids, and a dog behind…
I’ve followed along your path for a long time, foolishly never commenting as I notice how many others do, but the title of your post caught my eye.
Beautiful family you have. Enjoy your little girlie – for you blink your eyes and suddenly they have 14 teeth and are running around chasing the 9 year old dog.
Wishing you all the best Jill, so many hugs from across the world.
Many thanks for your husband’s service and your family’s sacrifice. Take Care.
Love these pictures.
InDueTime´s last [type] ..Can I Tell You A Secret
she is such a beautiful little cherub
Melanie B´s last [type] ..Giveaways!
Awwww….what a sweet post. I love hearing a mama love on her baby! And Annie is just so beautiful.
Katrina´s last [type] ..Forever Friends
I forgot her nickname was Binky!
I love all the photos you put up but that last one is so special, what a character! And her eyes are amazingly beautiful.
It seems so long ago that we all called her “Binky” doesn’t it? I almost forgot, too!
Katrina´s last [type] ..Forever Friends
my favourite photo (apart from the one where Annie was literally just out of your womb and yawning!) is this last one.
so so beautiful.
I see Maddie in her.
she is such a happy and loved baby.
Becca_Masters´s last [type] ..To Kill One or Not To Kill One- Thats what the Queen asked herself apparantly
she does have some of Maddies features…beautiful litttle girls.
That last photo is simply magic. This is a beautiful post, Heather, you sum it up so very well.
I love the feel of my daughter’s warm little head on my shoulder when we snuggle, too!
Kate @ UpsideBackwards´s last [type] ..Gatekeeper
Yeah you know how when someone posts a picture of their baby on the internet and everyone goes “Awwwww, beautiful baby!”
Annabel is quite simply the most beautiful, divine, sacred creature in the whole history of Earth. Those pics made me CRY.
XO
edenland´s last [type] ..I went down to Sydney and all I had was this lousy amazing time
Those eyes and that smile…what an endearing and gorgeous smile! I don’t believe there is any way possible anyone could look at that smile and that adorably cherubic face and NOT smile. Nope…not possible!
Heather, thank you for posting this today. Just something about it helped remove me from my sad pathetic self and made me smile.
Audrey at Barking Mad´s last [type] ..The Re-Birth of My Smile- Part I
She is absolutely gorgeous isn’t she? She’s getting curls too!!! And the last picture, THOSE LIPS!!! So kissable. You did good Momma.
This is a beautiful post Heather, she’d just lovely.
Sally´s last [type] ..the iPad
She’s beautiful. And she sure does resemble her daddy!
The pushed lips in the last picture do say a lot about her sparkly personality! Go on Annie, you are bound for a big future…
Catherine Lucas´s last [type] ..Cartmel windows- doors and sticky toffee pudding
YOU’RE scared of when she gets older? Poor Mike has to be beside himself with anxiety!
IrrationalDad´s last [type] ..Video- The Army Crawl
Seems like Annie was born yesterday, yet here she is sitting and standing! I love how you love her!!
Lynn from For Love or Funny´s last [type] ..I didn’t see any Martians on vacation…I think
Beautiful words for a beautiful baby. I see so much of Maddie in her, especially her expression in the second picture. Your girls are precious you must be so proud of them.
She’s beautiful.
simply beautiful.
An absolute true beauty,,,,,,,,,,,,just like her big sister,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
they are some of the most beautiful photos I’ve ever seen Heather… she is just a gorgeous girl!
MeL´s last [type] ..first day of new school
A mini Mike. WOW. She is breathtaking. Glad you are enjoying every minute of her.
Beautifully written. And it is so neat how she looks so much like herself that she definitely has her own gorgeous looks, but in some shots she looks so much like Maddie that it’s easy to see they are sisters. She’s beautiful!
So so beautiful. The words & that adorable littlle girl.
So adorable!!:)
That first picture of her is SO beautiful! I think it’s my favorite picture of Annabel ever! I’m glad that you’re enjoying her, Heather.
she is so beautiful
sarah´s last [type] ..Come On Monday
She is beautiful!
Michelle´s last [type] ..A Recipe For a Crabby Mama
Beautiful! I love these pictures, especially the first one and the one where her lips are puckered.
Such a cutie.
Mama Fuss´s last [type] ..7 Quick Takes- Its the end of the week!
This took my breath away.
Oh gosh is she ever cute!
Liz´s last [type] ..Until We Meet Again…
She is gorgeous – and oh my stars – those eyes!
freckleonthenose´s last [type] ..Puppy Love
I’m SERIOUS when I say that I think she is the most beautiful baby I have ever seen. Absolutely gorgeous.
Love this post. That is true and simple love. Annie is so, so beautiful.
Lisa´s last [type] ..Expert Negotiator
She looks more and more grown up with every picture! Such a cutie and growing way too fast!! Hugs to you, Mike and a great big giant Texas sized hug to Annie. Miss ya’ll!
AmazingGreis´s last [type] ..One Week…
Gorgeous post, gorgeous girl.
Jen L.´s last [type] ..Comfort Food Saturday- The Cheeseball of Happiness
Beautiful words and even more beautiful photos. You have an incredible subject there.
What can I say? You guys make some unbelievably beautiful children!!
Candice´s last [type] ..The Joys of Summer
I’m so very happy for you Heather. She is absolutely beautiful.
the last photo.. you can clearly see her sister’s eyes
Momma Uncensored´s last [type] ..32 weeks
There is nothing more beautiful than a mother’s love for her children. When you have Annie snuggled up on your shoulder, Maddie is on the other one holding both of you. Annie is so stunning.
Anjie´s last [type] ..We’re going camping!
She is so beautiful!.. Just like precious Maddie. xoxoxo
Jodee´s last [type] ..Mason is handsome
She is gorgeous. I love this post.
Jenni Williams´s last [type] ..The Roller Coaster
This is so sweet, and something Annie will treasure reading when she is older.
(((hugs)))
Deborah´s last [type] ..A Slew of New Photographs
Daughters are a wonderful thing! So beautiful, Heather!
Kelly´s last [type] ..Where I Look At The Stats- and Crack Up!
Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful.
Melissa´s last [type] ..shark week
Such a doll!
Faith….Hope….Love….Peace.
mythoughtsonthat´s last [type] ..One-Oh!
So sweet! What a pretty girl.
My daughter is a lot like me too–my husband says we’ll will be in trouble when she’s a teenager but I don’t think so
She’s such a beautiful little girl.
Elle´s last [type] ..Don’t Fret- It’s Music Monday!
What a beautiful post. Annabel is getting so big. I love her expressions.
She’s gorgeous! I loved the pictures today. Loved, loved, loved them!
Jenny´s last [type] ..My heart- full and happy and longing
She is Heaven sent.
Shirley L´s last [type] ..Living on Vineyard Time – July 4
Beautiful post. Annie is so gorgeous, and amazing eyes!
Nicole´s last [type] ..The girls will shop when the boys play
All I can say is beautiful daughters and beautiful post. Love all the pics!!!
Having a baby is truly love at first sight. Beautiful post. That kissy face photo is too adorable!
She’s beautiful!
Ashley´s last [type] ..Summer Giveaway Day 1 – Things that Make Me Happy!
Beautiful post. Always beautiful to read about a mother’s love for her child. Motherhood is hard… so hard sometimes… but so rewarding. This post shows how deeply in love with Annie you are… and it’s beautiful to read and be a part of (not really but we feel like we are!). Noticed for the first time that Maddie really looked like you and Annie is all Mike… and that Annie and Maddie have the same infectious smile and light in their eyes. You are so lucky Mama! love and hugs from NJ.
Annabel is so so so sweet. Is it possible for her to get any more beautiful? It is, evidenced by your photo blog today. She is so precious and beautiful.
She’s such an old soul.
Perfection.
Amanda´s last [type] ..Now
She is gorgeous Heather. I can’t wait for the day when hopefully I can have my own to give all this love to. Reading beautiful things like this makes me look forward to it.
She is truly adorable. Those eyes!
So lovely and touching, Heather. She’s so beautiful and happy. I’m so glad you have each other.
Their smiles are the same….
Beautiful pictures and what a lovely post. She really is gorgeous.
Ari´s last [type] ..three sixty five- narcissism… and randomness
Oh my God, it look like God send all the beauty to these cute baby..
Such a beautiful girl, such a beautiful post.
Her personality IS infectious. I feel like the moment we were introduced to her on the blog, she has had a personality all her own.
Also, I just can’t get over that little face! Both of your girls are simply stunning.
Laney´s last [type] ..Boys of Summer
I have tears in my eyes from that beautiful post. Annie is stunningly beautiful. I can see Maddie in her eyes. Such a beautiful child! Thank you.
All of the photo’s in this post are GORGEOUS!
I love you Annie! <3
adequatemom´s last [type] ..Not okay trigger warning
What beautiful eyes she has – it’s like you can see what a gorgeous soul lurks inside her.
That last photo of Annie is absolutely gorgeous!
Rebecca´s last [type] ..Friday Fragments The Long Edition
This is so beautiful Heather, as is your baby girl. Am so thrilled that I get to meet her in a few weeks.
Issa´s last [type] ..July 18th- 2010
Beautiful post for an adorable lil girl. God Bless!
Annie is so beautiful! I love the pictures of her in this post!
Laura´s last [type] ..Sunday Morning Church Rush
good golly she’s so stinkin precious! I soo wish I could meet her in person!
Annie’s eyes just twinkle! I love it!!
Dawn´s last [type] ..Hes noticed
So. Stinking. CUTE!!!! What a beautiful little girl! Thanks for sharing and putting a smile on my face!
ADORABLE! What a lucky little girl to have a Mom like you! xo
seriously.. can a kid be any cuter?? What a doll!
Amazing, amazing pictures of sweet Annabel! I love this post, too. Beautifully written and something special for Annie to read later.
She is beautiful. She looks like her sister.
She makes me melt.
Kristin´s last [type] ..A bit of this- a bit of that
She is so beautiful. You two are so lucky to be parents to both Maddie and Annie. They are both perfect!
Those pictures are amazing.
She is beautiful.
Now I want another baby.
Way to go, Spohr.
(loves…)
Oh that last picture is so darling! Sweet post
kbreints´s last [type] ..random brain dump
Mommy love is the best love, keep up the great parenting Heather.
Andrea´s last [type] ..Hey Jude
Annie is just so beautiful. What great photos. Each one is more beautiful than the one before.
*sigh*
Yes, I would say that you guys are going to be given a run for your money as Annie grows up – she has a twinkle in her eye that says something like, “oh yeah? you think so? I’ll show you!”.
I love the middle picture with her looking up at you.
Amanda´s last [type] ..Just In Time For The Weekend
I see so much of Maddie in her…
Heather, I am in awe of you. I spent most of the weekend catching up on your archives – I started reading when Annie was born – and I cried, laughed, smiled and hugged my kiddos tight. Your little Maddie was a gorgeous girl, and she has a gorgeous sister as well. ((HUGS)) to you and Mike.
Your words are lovely.
Brie´s last [type] ..Work
She is gorgeous and those photos of her eyes bring out her stunning beauty.
Coming back out of the woodwork (the move from Florida to Boston has been overwhelming) to share my awe of the beauty in your family.
There is Maddie and Annie’s beauty, of course, which is just breathtaking. And then there’s the intense beauty of your writing. Of the pure love you have for your girls.
I well remember the post that announced to all of us Annie was coming. I prayed, like I know so many others did, that she would arrive safe and healthy, and that she would bring light back into your and Mike’s lives.
Today’s post is a particularly beautiful tribute to that light.
Such a gorgeous girl, just like her sister.
What a lucky girl, to be like her mommy! May she hold up signs behind sports announcers and make movies of her own babies someday! *hugs*
Last Girl Standing´s last [type] ..The Rules of Engagement
You are amazing.
She is great! She is lucky to have such wonderful parents who love her so much. I can’t even tell you how much I love Annabel and Rigby’s adventures. I love that your family has joined the cast.
Trisha G´s last [type] ..Learning as I go
Beautiful words. Beautiful Annie.
Thank you for sharing yourself and your family with all of us.
Oh Heather she’s so gorgeous!
She’s such a lucky girl to have you as her Mommy.
Such a sweetie……that face…oh, that sweet face!!!
coloradolady´s last [type] ..Vintage Thingie Thursday – Vintage Bear Books – Re-run
She is seriously so cute. I love her expressions. I think you are going to have your hands full when she gets a little older. ha ha.
so sweet and precious
Oh man, that just makes me want to snuggle her too! I miss my girl being a baby – she’s 15 and refuses to let me snuggle her like that. Enjoy it!
The last picture with those perfect rosy lips got me!!
(((HUGS))) from Florida
As if I didn’t already think she was so beautiful, that last picture and those lips make me melt and my ovaries hurt!
She’s just. . .lovely.
She look so much like Maddie in that last photo puckering up! Absolutely beautiful girls you two make! Jenn
Wow in the last picture you can see Maddie shining through Annie’s eyes! So beautiful!
GAH!!! She is soooooo unbelievably beautiful! This post really made me cry.
She makes me smile, I can only imagine how I’d be beaming just to be in her presence. Seriously adorable
I always wanted to post a comment… These pictures finally inspired me to do it. I’m so in love with Annabel…She is sooooooo beautiful! You have two litlle angels in your life Heather
Lots of love for all of you!
Mary
PS: your pictures are getting better and better!
She has such bright happy eyes. Just like her sister. Beautiful post!
Sweet Lord. You make the most darling little girls.
They are both so lucky.
Ugh, cry!! Beautiful post. I haven’t stopped by in a while and wow. Little Annie went and got all grown up while I wasn’t looking.
Two Makes Four´s last [type] ..18 Weeks and Looking Legit
Stunningly beautiful post, Heather. Thank-you for sharing it with us.
Gorgeous, little baby!! She is something else!!
What an amazingly gorgeous little girl! Good job, you two.
Also, in that last photo, the way her eyes curve is so very Maddie!
Expat Mom´s last [type] ..My New Favorite Photos
WOW – what a beautiful little girl! You and Mike are blessed to have two beautiful daughters to think about and love every day. I pray for Maddie all of the time, and I thank God that he brought Annabel into your life!
thank you for sharing your stories with us!
Madeleine´s last [type] ..Honey Mascapone Cheesecake
Beautiful! She is stunning! I know you all are so proud of her. I can’t imagine the emotions you go through on a daily basis. But I just pray that God gets you through each one with peace.
Courtney from GA
Random and three days late….but the photo of Annie in the black and white shirt? Most beautiful photo I’ve ever seen of her. And that’s saying something.
Issa´s last [type] ..My two year blogiversary
That last photo is awesome. You have two amazing girls, Heather. <3 <3 <3
I’m pretty sure my heart just grew in size reading this…so sweet, so perfect.
Loved it.
Chelle´s last [type] ..SnuggStuff Winner
This made me cry – last night I snuggled up to my little boy, while he slept, at the exact minute he was born a year ago and said/felt these exact same things through my happy and sad tears. I never want him to grow up but I will be proud of him and love him as he does. Annie is so beautiful.
Oh my goodness, I know that there are lots of comments saying this before mine, but she is so, so beautiful!
Wow, that last picture – she looks EXACTLY like Maddie.
Both are GORGEOUS girls, like their mama!
Your words and her gorgeous face made me smile, and I really needed to smile today. Thank you!
My favorite Annie post.