One Year

My sweet baby Paige,

As I sit down to write a little something about your first birthday, I find myself fighting back tears. I have never been one to cry during romantic movies or sad songs, but ever since you came into our world, I am a big ball of emotions. I would like this to be a well-written, perfectly executed letter to you, but that's not how I do things these days. I ramble and I list things. So here goes..

You are the brightest part of your daddy's day when he gets home from work and you drop everything at the sound of the front door opening. Every move you make puts us in awe. We are so proud of the little human being you have become. Since your first breath on June 14, 2010, your daddy and I have been wrapped around your dainty little finger. The same finger you love to point with every time you wake up from your nap. It's the little things you do every day that makes my heart flutter. You are unbelievably beautiful on the inside and out, and you must agree because you kiss your own reflection anytime you see it. You sleep well, eat well, and play well. You love bath time, sprinklers, the ocean, the swimming pool, the puddle from your sippy cup on the floor. You make funny faces during dinner time and have a fake laugh that cracks me up. You would eat cheese and pasta all day every day if I'd let you, but you do a good job with your fruits and veggies as well. You dance to the beat when we turn on the radio, and sing the sweetest tune when you see a microphone. You squeal and kick your feet when you see kids or animals. Your smile stays plastered on your face when you're being pushed on the swings. You are most comfortable rolling and digging in the sand at the beach. You are very patient while I slather sunscreen all over you. You have no fear of the ocean, and you throw a fit when I take you away from it no matter how many goosebumps I can see on your soft skin. You sign "all done" and "more please" during meals. You wave to strangers and animals when we are out. You blow kisses to most people, and give real kisses to a select few. You put all your toys back in the basket when I ask you to. There is so much about you that make me and your daddy say "Wow, she is amazing."

Through this first year, munchkin, you have taught me how to put someone else first before myself, not even think twice about it, and I'm so thankful for that. I have learned how to do silly dances and sing funny songs to make you laugh. My arms are so strong because holding you close makes my heart happy. I have figured out how to do (most of) my chores during your nap time so that I can spend as much time as possible exploring this world with you. 

You have turned me into a mama, and it is the best job I've ever had and ever will.

Happy first birthday, lovie.

xo,

mama

The morning of her birthday, Paige woke up to Jen and Jon sleeping in our living room. She ate breakfast and hung out on the couch with them while I cleaned up and got ready for the day. After a while, they said goodbye and she went down for a nap. While she slept, Grandma Kelly, Grandma Kissy, and Aunt Ler drove over from the valley. She woke up just as they were pulling into our driveway. While she was standing in her crib with messy hair and sleepy eyes, holding her paci in one hand and pointing at who knows what with her other, Grandma Kissy sang Happy Birthday. We opened a couple presents, played, and ate a snack before we headed out to Avila Beach for some lunch (the same beach I walked up and down while I labored one year and one day before). Paige ate her fruit and mac & cheese, made us all laugh with her jabbering and giggling, and went down to the sand for some play time. She was the only one on the whole beach laying and digging and rolling in a pink tutu and party hat! As she should be, right? We celebrate in style. After lots of sand in her hair and saltwater on her toes, we rinsed off and drove down to the Avila Valley Barn. It was nap time, and her eyes were glossy, but she didn't fuss once. She hung onto Grandma Kissy and waved at every single animal we walked by- the crazy cow with the long tongue, the funny little goats, the peacock, the turkeys, the pony, the emus (or were they ostriches? maybe dinosaurs?), the donkeys, the chickens, and the sheep. Grandma Kelly bought the pies we picked out for her birthday party next weekend, and we headed home for a nap. She was snoozing the second her head hit the mattress. Since we just can't get enough, we browsed through old photos of her from the last 12 months. This child could win the world record for most photos taken in a year! After nap time daddy came home and we did some more playing, some more dancing, some more eating, and bath time with her biggest fans watching and laughing.

To say the least, it was a wonderful day with great company. I am blessed to have the life I have. I thank God every second of the day for giving me and Matt a daughter so precious.