Happy First Birthday, Maya!

Today my sweet little baby girl, Maya, turned one-year-old. It's strange because while it seems like it couldn't possibly be an entire year, it also feels like we've had her forever! I wish I knew her stats, but she hasn't had her one-year appointment at the pediatrician yet. But, here are a few things I've learned about Maya over the last year.

- Maya is a hugger. She is always ready to get a hug, and always has hugs and kisses for other people when she thinks they might need one. And, not just for her mom. She hugs the other kids when they are hurt or sad, too!

- Maya likes things the way she likes things, and if they aren't how she likes then she might make yucky noises at you. Not that making yucky noises changes anything, but she likes to let you know if she's not happy, anyways. Little stinker! She also can make some pretty unattractive faces. I like when she crinkles her nose, purses her lips, and grunts.

- If you ask Maya for a kiss, she'll pucker her lips and blow in your mouth. She also gives pretty great raspberries.

- If it's bedtime, and Maya has her blanket, bottle, and bear (the three B's), she will lay quietly and go right to sleep. If she's not tired, she'll kick gently on her crib toy until she nods off. I am so grateful, because she was not a great sleeper when she was littler.

- Maya is more than willing to share food or toys, but doesn't like it if the thing she's playing with is yoinked out of her hand. There were biting incidents with Sofia until I got fed up and bit her back. There hasn't been any biting since then. I don't think she realized how much that hurt!

- Maya likes to have her foot out of her high chair while she's eating. However, lately she's preferred the big kids table. She can even get in and out of the big kids chair by herself.

- If Maya is cruising around, she always makes sure she holding something. She is scared to death of walking on her own. If she ever loses her balance even for a moment, she cries even if she didn't fall or hurt herself. Sometimes we can trick her into letting go, and she holds herself up standing really steadily. I think she could walk if I could just get her to be brave enough! You can do it, Maya! Little chicken.

- Maya's favorite veggie is peas. Just like her Mama!

- Maya looks like a hippo when she grins. Her two top teeth have a big, goofy gap, and a hippo comes to mind when she flashes her cheezy smile.

- I don't mean to toot my own kid's horn, but Maya is definitely ahead of the curve in the brains department. She figures things out very quickly, and I think she's the smartest kid of all the kids I watch. Don't tell the other parents I said that!

- Everywhere we go, I always expect at least one person to comment on what pretty, red hair she has. I don't mind, though, because it is quite pretty!


We love you so much, Maya! We are so lucky to have you in our lives. Like I always tell everyone, we totally won the baby lottery. You are so smart, have the silliest personality, are so beautiful, and are such a sweet snuggler! We couldn't have asked for a more awesome kid. Happy birthday, muffin!