Happy 1 Year McNugget!

My little McNugget,

Its been a year; a full year since we've first held you, kissed you, and sat in absolute amazement that you were here - and you were ours. And while people say "I can't believe its been a year" it feels strange to think that there was ever a time that you weren't with us. You and I have spent time together every day for the last 365 days (plus), and I am so lucky for that; this has undoubtedly been the best trip around the sun I've ever known.

I can't remember much about you being so little; I already have to look at photos to remind myself that you weren't always the big girl you are today. You've become an official toddler, taking your first unassisted steps the week before your first party (one one day, one the next, then three over at our neighbor-friend's house). After another week and a half of you just crawling, you started to really walk. You took about ten steps at daycare for that same neighbor-friend, and then a few minutes later another dozen to me, tumbling proudly into my arms. Its only going to be a few more weeks until walking becomes your 'preferred method' of transportation.

You're down to one bottle now, and still a terrific eater and sleeper.  Whatever sleep difficulties you were having last month are long gone, and because you're so active it only takes a minute or two of  rocking you for you to want to go to sleep. You have kept your blue eyes and sandy-blond hair, and are now saying "Mama". You're growing more beautiful every day - if that is even possible.

You've had your first trip to the pool (at Great Aunt Linda's) and you took your first trip to the beach a few weeks ago with me and your daddy, grand mom and aunt Valerie. You loved the sand but were quite scared of the ocean (mostly, we think, because it was so loud!).

You're very interested in babies at school, and have learned to mimic us rocking your dolly and being gentle with babies and pets. You've found a love for throwing yourself onto fluffy pillows and giving us the most adorable glance to see if we're watching you. You prefer me and your dad to other people, but are still a major social butterfly and flirt; having your first birthday party where everyone wanted a little bit of attention from you was a gift in itself for you :)

I hope you've had a very happy birthday darling, and that every year gets even better for you. You have given me the best days of my life so far, and I thank God for you every moment we get to share together.

Happy first birthday baby girl. xoxo.

Mama