One Year

One Year Old.

It's official. My baby isn't a baby anymore. My sweet, observant infant grew to a cheerful, active crawler, and is now a swift & spunky walker runner. At 1 you are energetic beyond belief and very inquisitive - always examining and testing things to see how they work. You have an incredible understanding of the whole action & reaction concept, and your father and I are constantly impressed by how quickly you learn.

You get those smarts from Dada, but your sass is from me. You have a whole range of 'looks' you give - everything from a daring What will you do if I touch this? to a doe-eyed Pretty pleeeeeease, Mama? When you're frustrated with something, you make the most grown-up faces - furrowed brow, cheeks sucked in, jaw set. On more than one occasion, I'm sure you've tried using The Force to get your way. And I can't say for sure that it didn't work.
 
You march in place when you're happy and give the biggest, most awesome squeals when chased or tickled. We sing a lot - you love it and have started to sing along to your favorites. You also love Dora the Explorer, Elmo, pushing your stroller around the house, running, playing outside, dogs, and your cousins. When you're upset or not feeling well, you prefer to be held and snuggled and read to (I'll Teach My Dog a Lot of Words and What Am I especially). You've just started discovering the wonder of books and all they hold. It makes me giddy. I have planned our entire reading list until you're in middle school. No joke.

You went through a brief period in which you didn't like strangers. Very brief. Now, you run to greet people in our neighborhood, at school, at the mall without fear. When they're bigger than you, you stand at their feet, arms stretched high, begging for them to pick you up. When they're your size, you wave hello and wait for them to return the greeting. And woe to the babe who doesn't return your greeting. You have no issues invading someone's personal space and yelling HI! to get their attention. Apparently you've already learned social etiquette and get quite peeved when it's not followed.

As friendly as you are, you also appreciate your space. There are times, particularly in the mornings, when you just want to be left alone. You will pick out a toy or two to concentrate on, claim a spot in the living room, and entertain yourself for up to an hour. This is another trait you inherited from me. And even though I get it, I can't help but marvel at the calm that takes over. When you're still like that, I can see you five years from now enjoying a quiet read, or 15 years from now studying for a test. It gives me a glimpse at the little girl you'll soon become. And it excites me and breaks my heart all at once.

Happy birthday, my sweet little Peep.

Love, Mama