Twelve Months
Little Girl,
And here we are at a year.
You don’t talk a lot yet (your only real words are “mama” and “quack” – your dad wonders how the rubber bath ducks rated ahead of him), but you make it pretty clear what you want through pointing, crazy arm-flapping to show excitement, and constant “eh-eh-eh”ing.
You like seeing us react to you, especially your dad, who can’t hide his laughter every time you hold your food over the edge of your high chair and look up to see if he’s watching you threaten to drop it on the carpet (whatever fool decided to carpet the eating area deserves to eat his dinner off that carpet).
And you’re walking amazingly well. Because you weren’t a particularly early crawler, I’ve been surprised how quickly you picked up walking. You now prefer walking to crawling, even if it takes you longer and you fall down multiple times while crossing the room.
I bought you a couple of pairs of shoes, and suddenly you just love shoes. Ralphie gave you a pair for your birthday and when you pulled them out of the gift bag, you immediately stuck your foot up in the air so I could put them on you.
This past week, you’ve started giving kisses, pressing your open mouth to our cheeks and, my word, it’s ridiculous how cute your dad and I think that is. You also like to do “nose-to-nose,” brushing your nose against ours.
And the dishwasher? The coolest thing you’ve ever seen. As soon as you notice it’s open, you’re glued to the side of it, pulling out the silverware as fast as you can. And occasionally, you climb on the dishwasher door.
Over the last couple of months, you pretty much only get your pacifier to go down for naps or to bed, and oh my, your love for it has increased as your access to it has been restricted. When I hand it to you, your whole face just lights up. I’m guessing we’ll get rid of the pacifier in the fall, once our summer traveling is done, but I am dreading the thought of doing so, not just because I fear the crying, but also because it just brings you so much joy.
I just had no idea that your happiness could bring me so much happiness.
You have lit up this past year for me. Thank you for being my baby.
Love,
Mama
Janssen,
Thank you so much for sharing Ella with all of us. I am delighting in her and in your delight with her. Happy, happy birthday, Baby!
I totally agree with the carpeted eating area comments. That has been the bane of my existence for about 14 months now…. What an adorable little girl you have…the kisses are the best!
A. She's crazy adorable.
B. We lay out two trash bags under the high chair, not very "green" but it saves the carpet.
C. I'm so sad we'll miss seeing her (and you guys, of course) at the reunion!
She is adorable. Happy Birthday to her!
Here in SD they like to buy a carpet specifically to go under the dining room table. A table that is usually already on perfectly lovely hard floors. I do not get it.
What a beautiful letter to a beautiful baby. Happy Birthday, Baby! I can't believe a year has already gone by.
I second the comment about carpet in eating areas. And I love that she loves shoes. 🙂
5 days until I see that little squisher! I cannot believe how old our babies are already!
What a cutie pie! What a sweetheart 🙂 And love your sentiments as a mom!
happy birthday ella!!! time goes by so so fast!!!
Oh, those beautiful blue eyes! Your letter to your baby almost made me cry. Happy Birthday, Dear Little Ella.
Happy Birthday Ella!!!! You are so blessed to have an amazing Mama and Daddy!!!
I love her! Happy birthday Ella!
She is so so darling. Jilly loves playing with the dishwasher too.
Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday to the little one!! She is such a doll. Aren't little babies the best?
Also, we have a carpeted dining room in our apt. so I feel your pain about that! We have a plastic splat mat thing but she manages to throw food past that radius quite often.
Happy Birthday sweet Ella! Can't wait to see you again soon!
Happy birthday to Ella! This reminded me of all the things my boys did at 1–especially the dishwasher thing. 1 is the best age. Well, 0 and 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 are the best ages, because you get to keep them at home with you and hug them whenever you want. Needless to say, I think I need another baby NOW. 🙂
Lucky girl. My first two boys each had probably 50 words before they said "mama."
Happy Birthday little lady! It's crazy how fast they grow.
Happy birthday, sweet one!! Such a beautiful, happy little girl.