Happy 1st Birthday Baby Girl!

Like everyone with a child who turns one, 

I cannot believe my little baby is now a walking, talking, playful one year old!

My dad says T has done more in her first year of life than most people do in a lifetime.  

She's gone to several state and national parks, been off-roading in an FJ, done an overnight backpacking trip, horseback riding on the beach, she's a hot spring connoisseur, flown about 6 times, riden bikes along the newport boardwalk, crossed the Golden Gate bridge, seen the statue of liberty, held a boa constrictor around her neck, riden a carousel, boated through central park, hiked to the Hollywood sign, developed a discriminating pallet for gelato, sat in a hallow pumpkin, dressed up as a lobster, and gone to brunch with her nanny.  So fancy! 

She is the absolute joy of our lives!

Here's a little poster I put together for our sweet girl.

T eats everything and anything.  This week she's had brie, chicken tikka marsala, sushi, and pot roast.  She loves to be part of the action and is always entertaining those around.  She can now outrun me and gets into paperwork in the office faster than I can blink.  

Her number one talent is begging.  I was so thrilled to catch this face on camera.  She is a total beggar.  She is quite strong-willed and really lets you know when she doesn't get what she wants.

T learned to walk at about 10.5 months which has given her so much freedom and happiness.  She can explore and play and get to where she's going!  We have chalked up her low weight to the fact that she burns so many calories running around and chasing any dog she sees.

T's favorite thing to eat is sand.  But if that's not available, dirt is a close second. 

We never had a babysitter in Costa Rica, but since being back in CA, we hear that she goes to other people quite well and we're thinking she's passed the stranger danger phase.  HUGE relief.  I love that she loves me, but it's quite nice to hand her to someone else without her world crumbling to pieces.

She is a good sport about dress fittings since I just love sewing for her.  (I made both these dresses!)  Diaper and clothing changes are not her favorite part of the day, but I think she has accepted her fate.

The girl loves to laugh. She climbs up the stairs every time we turn around and when we come for her saying "I'm gonna get you!" she shrieks with glee and sits waiting for her tickle.  Such a love.

The girl loves sticks.  She is always happiest when she's outside exploring.  We let her chew on most things in nature and she hasn't gotten sick yet!  Cigarette butts were her favorite thing to find on the beach, so it's a relief that she only finds pine cones and sticks in California.

She has developed such a personality.  She knows who she likes and greets them emphatically.  She's a master waver and has even mastered the high five.  We are still working on giving knuckles.  Newborns are cute and cuddly, but she is a LOT of fun now that we interact.  

All is right in the world when T has her lambie.  Lambie is with her every time she sleeps.  I don't think I would normally like having her be so dependent on a sleeping aid, but since we have moved her every month and she is constantly napping and sleeping in new rooms/closets/bathrooms... I am glad she has lambie as her consistent sleeping buddy.

I could die.  Look at that face.

We love our little girl so much and just continue to love and learn more from her everyday.