happy first birthday S!

You turned 1 yesterday. It's amazing how fast this past year has flown. I can hardly remember when you were a newborn, but at the same time I can't believe that you are one. We celebrated your birthday by having a party with the four of us in the afternoon. We decided not to do any big outings because of time constraints with you still taking two naps, and really wanting to enjoy you and not shoveling you in and out of the car. We ate mac n cheese for lunch, which you loved. Sang you happy birthday over a berry muffin with a candle in it, which you devoured in less than three minutes, the muffin that is not the candle. Then opened presents with you. E was saying to you all day "happy judy" his version of happy birthday.

You are such a joy and flirt. Whenever someone looks at you, you will either respond by wrinkling up your nose at them, or by shaking your head quickly back and forth, both done with a huge smile. This is your way of interacting, and it steals my heart. Just recently if asked for a kiss you will lean over with your mouth open. You continue to love to explore everything. Tonight we caught you climbing over a child-proof gate that had been laid on the ground. It looked very uncomfortable as with each crawl step your knee would slide in between the bars. But as soon as you got over it you turned around and climbed back the other way, to go over it again.

I love how active you are, but now that I am over 8 months pregnant, you can seriously wear me out. I look forward to sharing more life with you in the months and years to come. I pray more than anything that you will know His love and ours too. Happy Birthday!