One Wonderful Year

Mikaiah at 12 months:

Chilling in her exersaucer

Mikaiah's excitement over her new drum that she got for her birthday

So proud of her standing skills!



In her first year, Mikaiah has:
--Been the first single birth in our little family.
--Inspired the purchase of our "Escalade"--or triple jogging stroller--to cart our 3 under 3 around her first summer.
--Been Mommy's little sidekick for much of her first nine months since she didn't take a bottle.
--Won national renown for being the world's fastest crawler. (Which is understandable, since she was often fleeing for her life from her two persistent pursuers.)
--Learned to sign more and all done, blow kisses, wave, and hold up one finger. (Some may say she's simply pointing, but I think it's an early sign of brilliance, telling everyone that she's that talented and is still only "1")
--Learned to climb up the step and dip her hands in the potty whenever left unattended for even a second.
--Won another award for highest amount of puke per body weight over a two month period. (But since Mommy changed her diet, she's had to relinquish that title.)
--Completely wrapped her Daddy around her little finger. One look at her beautiful blue eyes and he just melts. It's a good thing I'm such a pillar of strength. :)
--Almost conquered the phenomenon known as "walking". Six consecutive steps is the current record.
--Staked her claim on at least two boys her age by slathering their little faces with slobbery,open-mouthed kisses.
--Mastered the words "Dada" and "Dog-dog". (She has said "Mama" once or twice, but seriously, where is the justice? Does Daddy have any stretch marks? I think the favorite parent should ALWAYS be the birther, no matter how handsome other candidates may be...)




We had a fantastic day celebrating her little life today. We did a little impromptu play-date party this afternoon for lunch. Just like her birth, basketball is making scheduling a party quite challenging. (We had to induce a few days early so Daddy could make the state championship game.) Yeah for Daddy's basketball team! But seriously, playoffs are not exactly the best timing... :) We spent the day with wonderful friends, in the most beautiful weather imaginable, had delicious food, and just enjoyed the day. It was the perfect way to celebrate the past year of our sweet baby girl's life. It's hard to believe we've had her a year already. God always seems to remind me when birthdays roll around that our kids are just on loan to us. We're guarding their hearts and helping them along the way, but they are truly His children, here for His purpose. This first year of holding Mikaiah's hand through her journey has been wonderful. I look forward to many more beautiful years.