Dear Anya, Happy 1st Birthday!

Dear Anya, It's so hard for me to believe you are one year old now! It seems like just yesterday you were placed into my arms for the first time, or learning to sit up on your own, or army crawling all over the place. Seriously, every month went faster and faster! I can't put into words how wonderful this past year has been for Daddy and I. It's hard to remember life before you, because now everything we do and think about revolves around you! Last year on this special day Daddy and I were headed to the hospital to meet you. The tulips were just starting to bloom. (What a difference a year makes. This year they are almost finished blooming!) It's also about 40 degrees warmer than last year! At 12 months you: -Sleeping through the night (7:00pm-6:30am) -Drinking milk from a sippy cup -Starting to stand independently; you've taken a few courageous steps on your own -Have six teeth (4 top, 2 bottom) one more on bottom left is about to poke through Things you love: -Talking up a storm: and just strung your first two words together..."Hi Dadda"! -Bathtime -"Reading" books in your crib -Nursery at church -Water table -FOOD, glorious food! You will steal food out of anyones hand! -Paci! We are going to start weaning you off of it though. This will be a sad, sad day for you! Things you dislike: -Raw tomatoes and red pepper -Snuggling; all you want to do is play! -When you head falls forward when snoozing in the car -When I brush your teeth (It's actually really difficult to think of things you do not like!) We celebrated your first birthday on May 3rd (yesterday) with both sets of Grandparents and Auntie Kates. It was in the upper 80s so we spent the day outside. Grandma H and I made you an applesauce cake, courtesy of Pinterest, and it was a total hit. We ate pizza outside in the backyard to celebrate your special day. You even got to open a few more presents. Everyone witnessed you take your first steps! I even got in videotaped. That never happens that perfectly! We were all so proud of you! I love you Anya! Love, Mommy Here are some fun photos from your first birthday: