Life With A One Year Old

Somewhere between the holidays and birthdays, you decided to grow up.  While we were busy decorating, shopping and baking you were busy being one.  Since your first birthday, you have gone from a crawling, toothless baby to a running, talking, toothy tot.  I've been swept away with the madness that comes at the end of every year, and I have glossed over a lot of things, so I'm just going to start with your birthday and try to cover what I've missed.  Sure, my memory may be a bit foggy, but I promise it's clearer now than it would be in a month.  Way clearer than it will be in a year.  And not even worth comparing to what I will remember when you're old enough to actually read this.  So, here we go, foggy details and all!

There have been many things that have gotten lost in the shuffle.  Just regular days that we have enjoyed together, yet they didn't fit into the holiday posts.  You do and say such funny things these days.  For example "Brrrr" is a word.  It means three things: cold, water and drink, just depending on the context in which it's used.  You also started saying, "happy"...which understandably makes us very "happy!"  You finally wear shoes, but only outdoors.  As soon as we head indoors or into the car, you declare that they must come "Off!"  Brushing our teeth is one of your favorite activities.  We sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star two times and finish with a long "aaaarrre", which you and Sydney drag out as long as you can and giggle while polishing those front teeth one last time.  It's little routines like that that I look forward to every morning and night.  

The day after your first birthday, you and I had a Finnlee & Mommy date at the park.

Some first steps outdoors.  At first you were walking sideways, just like you did when you'd cruise the walls and furniture indoors.

Taken in October.  I love when you do stuff like this (which is frequently).

Starting to look big!

Wearing your "Finn" shirt from mommy's friend, Amy.

You and this backpack are pretty inseparable.

We had a failed attempt at a family picture at the park.  We will have to have a redo.

 And then some days just require their own paragraph.  You've become suddenly aware of the stash of dress-up clothes that resides in the playroom.  You spend countless hours tossing piles of necklaces, wings, tutus, shoes and leis all over the floor.  The good thing that has come out of this new obsession is your willingness, and even desire, to wear the few things that "fit" you.  So now there are somewhat frequent dress-up sessions in our home.  What's cuter than a  baby in a tutu?  Can't think of a thing!

You spent an entire day in a tutu.  At your request.  (Well you brought it to me and said "on.")

What is this face?!

Doing what all backpack-wearing fairy princesses do: digging moss & weeds out of the cracks in the sidewalk.

Missing a tiara?

Now you're just showing off.

That lip!

Leaves & acorns on bare feet have finally convinced you that shoes outdoors are a good idea.

I know it looks like you're picking flowers, but you're probably putting them back.  You really like "unpicking" flowers.

Other days are spent trying things out for the first time:

Self-feeding.  First time using a spoon all by yourself.  Looks successful.

And lots of time has been spent trying out Christmas gifts:

The water table was a huge hit with both you and Sydney.

You loved that you were allowed to play and splash as much as you wanted. This went on for two hours!

This was *the day after Christmas*...note: shirtless, playing in water, and not even slightly cold.  Sooo warm this year.

Making a splash.

Very determined pine seedling.

The look you give me when you're about to put something questionable in your mouth.

Messy playroom...but dancing!  Just Dance Disney was a frequent choice during Christmas break.

Writing a letter to her penpal in Spain, and using some of her new letter-writing supplies she received for Christmas.

And then we finally had some (slightly) cooler weather:

Sweaters for our lake walk.

Boots and long sleeves...not summer attire!

Sweater dresses.

But many days have been like this: warm enough for a sundress, but throw on a jacket when the sun goes down.

Back at the water table..told you it was a hit!

Getting big.

I think you mean business.

Capping off the day at the park.

Leaving daddy hanging.

Jacket time.

I am almost caught up here.  Someday I won't be writing posts about what we did last month anymore.  Someday.  

Ringing in the New Year with a Little Look Back

If we maybe overdo it on Christmas a bit, we make up for that by completely lacking in New Years festivities.  Typically, we watch the ball drop on tv, toast with some bubbly and are tucked into bed by 12:30.  Two years ago, I didn't even manage to stay awake until midnight.  Your dad still hasn't let me live that down.  This year was no exception.  We planned a snack-filled menu for the evening so there would be food throughout the night.  Your sisters played board games until Ashley decided she had cooler plans and bailed on us.  We bought a sparkling moscato for mommy and daddy and an equally-as-sparkling grape juice for your sisters.  That's pretty much it.  The only surprise was who the life of the party was.  You!  While Sydney had vowed to ring in the new year with us, she ended up crashed on the sofa by 10:30.  You, however, were a party animal.  (Just like at Disney!)  You stayed up until midnight with us as if it was something that you do all of the time.  Thankfully, it's not.

Such party animals.

Your first and last store-bought frosting.  You broke out in a red rash everywhere this stuff touched you!

No surprise.  This one didn't even come close to making it.

You, however, were going (pretty) strong until after the ball dropped.

The early part of the day was spent doing sister things, mostly outdoors.  The weather was warm, but beautiful.  Just right for spending the entire day in the fresh air.  

Enjoying the last hours of 2012.

I love when you lay down on your own.  Cloud-gazing on the trampoline.

You & Kylee: trampoline buddies.

 

Learning how to longboard on Ashley's board.

Your turn!

Such form.

Such style.

Such a natural.

2012 proved not to be the end of the world.  (Joking.) But it was the beginning of many things.

Blossoming friendships between sisters.

Catching a sunset with Ashley.

Gazing lovingly at Sydney.

A super-windy beach day with Kylee.

Growing Pains.

Learning that baby sisters are noisy and sometimes steal the spotlight.

Graduations.

High School & Kindergarten graduations in the same year.  This is my life!

Lost teeth.

Finally!

Major Milestones.

First (of many) beach sunset.

Sitting up, all by yourself!

Adventures in solid foods.

Crawling!  Watch out world.

Tiny teeth, finally breaking through.

First steps.

Big Birthdays.

One, baby!

Yes, I'd say 2012 was quite a year.  I can't wait to see what 2013 holds for us.  It's hard to imagine it could be any more fun or exciting, but somehow I doubt we will be disappointed.  Here's to another whole year of you!