Has it been a year already? My baby girl is growing up so fast! She is almost running and has, in just the last few days, been trying to jump (a skill that takes an incredibly long time to learn, but is a process that is thoroughly entertaining to watch). She spends her days playing in the dirt, eating sand, meowing at the kitties, climbing, “chasing” with Daddy, and studying everything her brothers do. She loves to give kisses, wave “goodbye”, spot airplanes in the sky, and point at things.

She is a girl who has places to go, knows what she wants and don’t try to stand in her way! I recently realized that I haven’t really taught her any baby sign language. I haven’t felt the need. She is so very clear about her needs and desires (ex. leaning in and pointing, going to her highchair when she is hungry, etc.). We could have some major power struggles ahead of us…. 😉

I am completely smitten with this age but, seeing how fast she is growing and learning, I am constantly reminded that motherhood is chalk-full of bittersweetness. The excitement of watching your baby take their first steps is tainted by the realization that they are moving out of the baby phase. The thrill of hearing “mama” for the first time is swiftly followed by the desire not to hear “mama” every five seconds. The satisfaction of seeing them become more independent is filled with the all the worries that that very independence brings. But, as sad as it is to know that my baby isn’t going to be a baby much longer, I can’t wait to see what lie ahead of us. 

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!