The Leen

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Oh, my girl,

You are a whole year old! It seems like you’ve been with us forever, and yet it seems like just yesterday you were born.

You are such a little person now. I love seeing your personality — even when it manifests itself in willfullness and tantrums  — emerging.

This past month has been full of more firsts, with two notable ones: you walked on your own and we celebrated your first Christmas.

It was amazing to see you walking! Papa and I were thrilled when you did it. We were both giddy, seeing you take those steps by yourself. And, even more fun, it happened on your Noni’s birthday, which pleased her greatly.

Christmas was wonderful. We spent the day with our families, who spoiled us greatly. You love all of your new toys. It was high time you had some big-kid things to replace the few baby-like things you had before. You love your pots and pans, your new Cabbage Patch babies, your big fabric tunnel to crawl through, and all of the musical instruments you received.

Food continues to be something you love. It’s really fun to see you eating and enjoying food so much. You love cheese, and pasta, and beans, and avocado, and scrambled eggs, and hummus, and plain yogurt. You eat pretty much anything we put in front of you now and you definitely enjoy mealtime. When you see me getting your tray or bib ready, you run over to your highchair and stand at the bottom of it, waiting for me to put you in. You still love milkies, though, and nurse frequently, even though you are eating a lot of regular food now.

You just learned how to drink from a sippy cup within the past week or so, and you love water. Your other favorite beverage, besides, milkies, is coffee. Yes, coffee, and not just the foam from a cappuccino, although you love that, too. You love straight coffee, even the crema from an espresso. It’s hilarious to see you, when you know that there’s coffee nearby and no one’s given you any yet. You get quite upset.

Your sleeping has changed quite a lot over the past month or two. You’re usually taking one nap now, instead of two. And you are going to bed at a fairly regular time, usually between 7:30 and 8. Plus, you are sleeping more at night, too, which has been nice for Papa and me. You’ll also sleep in a bed or pack & play or something, which is very nice. I had almost forgotten all of the months of you only sleeping on us or with us, and it’s so nice that you’ll finally sleep by yourself.

We’re still cloth diapering at a year, and I love it. Well, as much as anyone can love diapers, I suppose. You, however, have come to detest having your diaper change, and almost every diaper change results in a colossal meltdown and tantrum. It’s difficult, but I know it’s just a phase and I need to be as patient as possible and it will eventually improve.

You aren’t saying much yet in the way of real words. It’s adorable to hear you say your little babbles, like “Bee doop, bee doop, bee doop,” and to hear you talk to your baby dolls or your toys. Even so, we want to be able to understand you and hope more words are forthcoming soon.

Happy birthday, my darling girl. I am so excited to see you continue to grow and change. Although this year has been extremely difficult, you have been the one consistent bright spot in it, and we are so happy to have you in our lives.

All my love,

Mama