My sweet little girl is one!

All the cliches are true, this year has truly flown by. Like yesterday, I can still recall those intense emotions I felt while waiting for Baby Markers to arrive, then while holding her in my arms for the first time. As they say, the days are long but the years are short. The sleepless nights, the nap refusals, the inconsolable crying while Mr. Markers and I looked at each other confused and helpless… I remember wishing that time to pass quickly so we could move on to the next stage. Now, I find myself willing time to slow down. Like I said, the cliches of parenthood are real!

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Now, we have our typical pre-toddler struggles, but it’s rarely hard and mostly fun. The stages of infancy are behind us and her strong personality is shining through. I want to remember this moment in time, exactly who my daughter is a year after she came into this world.

Baby Markers at One Year

…you are 20.2 lbs and 28 inches tall. You wear mostly 9 and 12 month clothing and just moved up into size 4 diapers. Your sleeping and eating habits haven’t changed much in about 6 months, and for that we thank you!

…you love to dance, sing, make music and jam out.

…you say mama, dada, uh-uh-uh (for no), and uh-oh.

…you take a few cautious steps but quickly think better and resume your speedy crawl on hands and knees across the room.

…you like to dive from one end of the bathtub to the other, screaming at the top of your lungs and splashing us as much as possible.

…you save most of your kisses for Abby our pup. She remains your favorite family member.

…you are defiant and strongwilled. You know exactly what you want and where you’re going, and beware to anyone who gets in your way.

…your scrunch-faced smile will brighten anyone’s day, especially strangers. Sometimes you’ll look right at someone and give them the biggest grin, as if you’re saying hello to an old friend.

…you have started to prefer daddy over mommy when he’s home, which melts both of their hearts (and mommy doesn’t mind the break).

…you can EAT, anything and everything. we are regularly shocked at the size and variety of your meals. Currently your favorites include peas, pizza and all kinds of berries.

…with that being said, you now require a spoon at all times during your meal, and you’re even somewhat proficient at using it. Kudos to that, little one!

…you are not shy and love to be the center of attention. If a crowd gathers, you’re happy to put on an impromptu performance (dancing, yelling and such).

…your eyes are gray and your hair is starting to curl. We can’t bear to cut it just yet.

…you don’t enjoy being held too often, but love to snuggle with a bottle of milk at the end of the day.

…you sleep with two loveys, a pink lamb and a giraffe. I should wash them more often but they smell so strongly of your little baby scent that I don’t.

…your newest trick is pointing, one tiny finger showing us all the different discoveries you make throughout the day.

…you have no idea how much we love you! To the moon and back, kiddo.