ONE! Singular Sensation.

She's one. If you can believe it - I certainly can't. I've come to realize that cliches are cliches for a reason. Everyone says that the first year flies by, and that's because it's true! In some ways it feels like just yesterday I was holding her in my arms for the first time. Holding her now is getting increasingly difficult. But on the flip side (blame it on all those brain cells I lost) it seems as though it's been forever. I'm not one of those people who claim not to remember a time before she was born (I remember fondly how easy those days were) but it does feel as though she's always been a part of our little family.

This was a big year for us, and by year I mean week. We got the keys to the house on Sunday and threw a "party" on Tuesday. I'm using the term "party" incredibly loosely here. The couple I ran into at Wal-Mart can attest to that fact. They were shopping for their twin girls just younger than Teagan. I told them her first birthday was coming up and they asked what the theme was. Thinking they hadn't heard me, I repeated "She's 1." Based on my life experience and the experience of others, it seems like birthday parties have to get bigger and better every year. So why not start with something small for the first one?

We invited The Armstrongs, The Dennises and The Grundys, our three closest friends in the ward, and incidentally my friends who visited me the day after I had Teagan. I thought it bookended her first year nicely, don't you?

Friends throw you a baby shower. Good friends visit you in the hospital. Great friends come to your baby's first birthday party knowing they'll end up sitting on the floor and bring presents even though you told them not to. I'm a lucky lady. We kept it really casual - no furniture will do that for you. Just cake, ice cream and presents. It was so much fun. Teagan loved opening all her new toys and just being the center of attention.

Having a reputation for being a pig in both the amounts and method in which she eats, I have to admit I was surprised (and a little disappointed) that she didn't attack the cake like some kids do. But once we helped her a little, she warmed up to the idea and delicately smeared her face. I'm sure next year will bring more mess.

And because I couldn't believe it myself, I went back to October 25th of last year's pictures to confirm that she is, indeed, already a whole year old. My favourite one year old in the world.

 

Teagan,

You're my favourite. You're cute, you're sweet and you're hilarious. Just like your father, when I'm frustrated with you or having a rough day, you can always make me laugh and that is such a blessing. Your funny faces and constant smile brighten my days. I know most babies are funny, but you have a unique sense of humour and I hope you'll keep that throughout your life. Laughing makes life so much more enjoyable.

You made me a mother and there's no sweeter calling. Thanks for taking it easy on me so far. You've been a good eater from day one - breastfeeding came so easily for us and I know it's a struggle for a lot of women, so I'm very grateful. You love to eat anything I throw at you now, which is so nice. I'd be struck by lightning if I complained about your sleep habits. Resting is another one of your talents and it's given me the opportunity to rest myself and I'm a better mother to you for it. So thanks for snoozing! No wonder you're so tall :) Thanks for easing me into motherhood, T...let's keep it that way with every new stage.

It boggles my mind to think about how much you've changed and all the new things you've learned. I have a lot to learn and you have a lot to teach me and I'm looking forward to it all. I love you to the moon and back..

Love,
Mummy