Happy 1st birthday baby girl!

We just celebrated Kaia’s first birthday. She is no longer an infant, but considered a toddler. And toddle she does. She is no longer drinking breast milk or formula. Gone are the jars of pureed baby food (she has nine teeth with three more on the way!). I’ve put away the excersaucer and baby swing. I have to buy her real shoes now as she navigates this whole walking thing. I’m working on eliminating the bottle before bed, which I think I’ll miss more than she will.

My mom and I were just talking at Easter about how it literally seems like yesterday that she was bringing us meals so we could eat something good for us during those first few hectic weeks of newborn craziness.

A whole year brings so many changes in the life of a baby, and it’s bittersweet. Gone are those precious real baby moments as I start to see a little personality emerge.

I’m sad to lose those baby moments, but happy to see those fun, and funny, changes that are surfacing. Teasing us when handing us a toy or a bite of her cookie, then pulling it away while laughing. Scooting away from us down the hall as we call her name to come back, looking over her shoulder and squealing with delight. Excitement when she sees her big sister walk through the door after swim practice. Saying “hi “and waving to complete strangers, but only if I am holding her. A certain pickiness when served different types of veggies, and pointing to the box of crackers on the table (I need to learn to hide that stuff!).

Bittersweet yes, but a part life. Better to see them grow and evolve than never have the chance. My hope for her as she grows is to be her own person and embrace her individuality. I also hoping she doesn’t develop my stubborn streak – what is that they say about what comes around?

Happy Birthday baby girl!