One Year Old

I'm a few weeks late writing this post... maybe I'm still in denial. My sweet baby is ONE YEAR OLD. An entire year of smiles, diapers, laundry, bottles, nursing, laughs, cries, pacifiers, blankies, and babble has passed. My baby is a toddler.

This first birthday is so bittersweet. While we look at pictures of her as a tiny newborn and long for those hours spent just holding her, breathing in her new baby smell, we are also celebrating her darling personality which is blossoming before our eyes. Listening to the ridiculous jibber jabber stories in place of melodic cooing, watching her dance alongside us rather than swaying only in our arms, waiting for the next piece of food to fly off of her highchair tray instead of waiting to see if she'll spit up after her bedtime bottle... All of these changes remind us just how quickly time flies when you're having fun.

Charlotte had a GREAT birthday. On her big day (August 7th), just the three of us celebrated with cupcakes, party hats, and a single balloon (which is still hovering in the entryway).

The following Sunday, we had a small party with her grandparents, uncles, and auntie Becky. We missed Uncle Brandon and Aunt Bobbi Jo and all of our extended families, but were so blessed to spend the day with Charlotte's family. Charlotte LOVED the cake Grandma Val made for her. 

Making a wish

Smashy, smashy!

I'm not ready to update Charlotte's measurement stats quite yet - her one year checkup and vaccinations had to be rescheduled. I can tell you that at a quick trip to see her pediatrician last week she weighed 21 lbs and 1 oz. 

Here's where I go on and on for a while about how smart Charlotte is and how she's doing all kinds of awesome stuff. Her biggest accomplishment has been taking steps unassisted. She's still not a "walker," but every day she takes more and more steps on her own. The first four steps came August 12, the morning of her birthday party. Her vocabulary continues to grow both with spoken words and signs. 

Signs: milk, mama, dada, more, all done, eat, sleep/tired/nap, waving hi and bye, nodding yes and no, beginning to mimic "I love you" arms crossed across chest.

Says: dada, hello (hoe), bye, kitty, meow, ruff ruff, cold, no, keys, bath (bap), book, cheese, bird, and MAMA (yes!! finally!) 

Among other amazing tricks, Charlotte can locate her nose, ears, mouth, hair, belly button, and fingers when asked. 

Every day we look at this perfect little child and are filled with love and pride. She never ceases to amaze us with her sense of humor, intelligence, thoughtfulness, and good looks! Happy Birthday, Charlotte! We love you!!