Birthday Girl

Dear Lydia,
I've come to realize that all parents say this, but they all say it because it is so very true - I can't believe you are a year old! Time is flying by! When I think back over the year, I am amazed at how much you have changed.

On April 27, 2008, you were so tiny and delicate. You needed help learning how to eat. You needed help holding your head. If you were awake, some part of you was always moving - your fingers, your toes, your arms, your legs.

By the time three months had passed, you had become a champion eater. You liked to play with the hair on the top of your head, especially while nursing. Your neck muscles grew strong and you held up your neck by yourself. Yet, you were never a fan of tummy time. I think it's because you couldn't see everything as well when you were on your tummy. You have always wanted to know everything that is happening, determined not to miss a single detail.

At six months, you were sitting up on your own, pulling off your socks, and beginning to eat solid food. You enjoyed riding in your stroller and swinging at the park. Watching daddy play his guitar always made you happy and filled you with intrigue.

By the time you were nine months old, you learned to clap, to play pat-a-cake, to wave, and you began to love trying to walk. You were happiest when you were on your feet, and it never mattered how many times you fell down, you always wanted to get right back up.

Now you are walking all over the place. Sometimes, it seems as though you are about to start running! It doesn't matter if you are sitting down or laying on your tummy, you can get to your feet all by yourself from any position. You enjoy reading books, especially The Itsy Bitsy Spider. You shake your hips and dance whenever you hear music. You tell us when your hungry, thirsty, and when you want more. You say "Dada" most frequently, sometimes you say "mama", and your first word was "dog". You like to point to things with your finger, and you smile and laugh when we play peek-a-boo. One of my favorite things you do now is give kisses and hugs.

Little Lydia, you are so much fun to be around. I thank God every day for the blessing to be able to stay home with you and watch you grow into a beautiful little person.

Happy Birthday my little one-year-old! I love you more than words can say!