Letters to Charlotte: One year old!

Dear Charlotte -

My oh my - you're one year old! Time has passed so quickly - I can't believe it. This month had a big first - you started walking! About a week before your birthday you took off like you've been walking for months. You'd get to going too fast, and drop to your knees, then stand right back up and keep going. It was pretty exciting! And you haven't stopped either. :)

You've officially outgrown your infant car seat. Made me sad - but so glad we don't have to lug that around anymore! Now you're in the big girl convertible seat and you've got so much more room. You seem pretty happy with it so far. I think you like that it's taller, so you can see out the window better. Your legs are so long they still hit the seat, but you don't seem to mind. You've got more room to hang them over the side or tuck them up, so it hasn't been an issue. We also got you a new stroller, and you LOVE it. You even crawl in it when it's at home. I was so shocked when you actually fell asleep in it when we were out one day! That NEVER would have happened in your other stroller. So glad we found one that you are comfortable in. It's also easy to use, and much less bulky, so it's easy to get you around in.

You also got a new high chair! It's so much easier to feed you now. And best thing - we can take it outside and hose it off! No fabric to wash and maintain, and it rolls where ever we want it to go. We can roll you all around the house, which you actually really enjoy.

We had been wanting to get you an activity outside of the house - so we found a place called The Little Gym just down the street from our house. They offered a free introductory class - so we figured we'd give it a shot. You LOVED it. We signed up as members on the spot. The teachers are all great, and it gives you a safe environment to roam and play and interact with other babies in your age group. Each class is somewhat structured and has a routine to it - so each week you seem to get more and more comfortable. As you get older, they offer Dance and Gymnastics I believe - and I have a feeling you'll like both of those. You are so comfortable in the class, you roam around and climb all over all the mats and obstacles. Your favorite is when they bring out the balls towards the end to play with, and then right after they bring out the bubbles. You get so excited! I'm also so impressed, because so far after each class you develop a new skill. It's why you started walking - you did that after your 3rd little gym class!

Your first birthday was quite the celebration. Mommy took the day off to play with you and get ready for the party the next day. You had a great day. Your 1 year checkup went great. Weighed in at just shy of 17lbs (16 lbs, 15 oz), and were 29 inches tall. Still a petite little thing! You had lots of family and friends come celebrate your birthday. We had a Disney Princess theme - Sweetest 1 of All. There were balloons and banners and all sorts of fun decorations. You got a ton of great presents, and had so much fun opening all of them! The tissue paper seemed to be your favorite thing, because you tried to eat that on several occasions. After presents were open, we went straight for cake. You were a huge fan of the cake. I made it purple for you, of course - and we let you go to town.

You bring so much JOY to our lives, and the lives of those around you. We are so blessed and so thankful to be your parents. You make each and every day better. We are so excited for all the milestones that year 2 will bring! We love you!
Birthday pictures....