Happy Biiiirthday dear Kaaaate!

Oh wow my baby is 1...this is a milestone I have been looking forward to for...well for this past year. Not that I have been wanting her to grow up quickly, but I feel that reaching the 1st birthday is a great accomplishment for all of us!

We have been parents for 1 full year and even though it has only been a little over 365 days...it seems like we have been doing this for years. I eat, sleep and breathe for Kate and can't imagine my days without her...not that I don't have a sense of self because I do enjoy taking time for me...but she is my life and I am not ashamed to say that. I have been blessed with the opportunity to spend every day with her...which are full of the usual breakfast, lunch, dinner, naps, diaper changes and everything else in between. Sometimes it feels monotonous and then she will do something silly to change it up a bit.

Her new BFF Mickey Mouse!

We had two birthday parties for the princess...both were great successes. The first was a smaller, more intimate family party and the second was an all out celebration of little friends! We have formed quite the circle of mom friends and baby friends throughout the year due to my two moms groups I am a part of. Kate is very popular within her group and everyone loves to hang out with her!  The first party was nice and peaceful but will be a great memory not only because of it being her 1st birthday but because Bryan's cousin Chris from NY flew out to celebrate with us! Tio Chris has a special place in Kate's heart!

Mama made baby girl blueberry Mickey Mouse pancakes for breakfast on her bday!

Her stats from her 12 mo doc appt: all within the 75% ish range

Weight: 22.6 lbs

Height: 30 inches

Head: smart

There has been no walking yet...not even a solo step but the cruising is at an all time high and her maximum speed of crawling is like 50 mph. She can stand unassisted and can even stand up by herself straight from the floor without having to pull up on something. We think walking is in the very near future but think that she is so content with crawling that she doesn't really see the point of walking right now...smart girl.

Face first in the mega cupcake!

Side note: We asked for books instead of toys for her birthday which was a great idea. Instead of everyone spending money on a bunch of toys taking up space and maybe or maybe not being played with, she now has a TON of books that will be of great use over and over again.

Silly girl opening presents in her new Cardinals jersey!