ONE YEAR!

Dear Mary,

We made it!  We all survived your first year.  I simply could not have asked for a better, sweeter baby.  It was a tough year with Mama's work and Daddy's school- it was a little crazy... But we survived with help from your Mimi, Ms. Nette, Ms. Susan, and cousin Leighya.  We also had help with scheduling from Mama's nurses.

I have loved discovering who you are over the last year and here are a few of the things that I love about you:  your smile, your ability to brighten someone's day (not just mine), you love others without reservation, your already developed sense of humor, and your independence.

In the last month you have started walking!  You became confident in yourself and you took off!  It's made Mama and Daddy's job a little bit harder now chasing you around.  The dogs aren't sure about your new skills either.  They do, however, love that you are totally feeding yourself these days.  They are great at cleaning the floor and they are getting all kinds of tasty treats these days (not just cheerios and puffs anymore).

You had your 12 month check-up with Dr. Love and you are growing!  You weighed 21 lbs. 7 oz. and were 30 inches tall.  That puts you in about the 75% for  your weight and height.  You got your thumb poked and got 4 shots- that's a lot after not getting anything for 6 months.  But you were tough and didn't cry for too long.  You switched to size 4 diapers a few days after your birthday and wear 12 & 18 month clothes (just depends on the brand because of your long torso).  You wear a 4W shoe and have learned that putting them on means it's time to go outside.

You continue to explore the world and love to discover new things.  It is making me slow down and appreciate the little things in life- but most importantly- you!

Love,
Mama