Happy Birthday, Babykins!

Babykins turned 1 year old on Thursday, a momentous occasion that we celebrated with presents, and cupcakes, and much video recording.  It's hard to believe that it's already been a year since our baby entered the world.  It feels like she's always been a part of our lives, and while I can remember lazy days of sleeping in, reading books, and driving with the top down, I can no longer imagine a life where our family only consists of two.

As always, Babykins had some surprises in store for us.  After opening some presents, we took a break for dinner and cupcakes.  We were completely shocked when, after sticking out her tongue and giving the vanilla icing a little lick, Babykins pushed away the cupcake.  Considering the vast quantities of sugar I consume, I was expecting Babykins to gobble down her dessert.  I'm not going to complain, though, about a baby without a sweet tooth.

The next day I took Babykins in for her 1 year check-up.  She weighed in at 19 pounds and measured a towering 28 inches.  Watching her everyday, we knew she was growing, but it's still mind blowing to think that in one year Babykins has grown 8.5 inches and gained 12 pounds!

Every day Babykins continues to grow and amaze us, whether it's discovering this morning that her magnetic balls will stick to the metal legs of our dining room chairs, or expressing her independence by pulling away when we try to hold her hand as she walks (ok, that one makes me a little sad).  It's been a wonderful first year, and I thank you all for following Babykins' life story.

Happy Birthday, Babykins!  Daddy and I love you :)

Happy 9-Month Birthday, Babykins!

Babykins is 9 months old today, which means that she has been out in the world for as long as she spent baking.  This got me to thinking about which is a more amazing developmental period: the 9 months she spent getting ready for the world, or the 9 months she's been in it.

On the one hand, during the 9 months of pregnancy, Babykins went from the combination of 2 little cells to a gummy bear to a tad pole to a vaguely human looking fetus to a fully formed, 7 lb 2 oz, 20 inch baby.  To go from not existing to full-fledged human in 270 days is a staggering feat.

On the other hand, during the last 9 months, Babykins has gone from a tiny baby who could barely see, couldn't move on her own, and did little beyond eat, sleep, and poop, to an amazing big baby who can crawl, stand, laugh, smile, and devise a plan to climb over the baby gate.  Once again, an absolutely awe-inspiring transition in 270 days.

I'm not sure I'll ever be able to decide which is the greater achievement.  So for now, I'll just say, Happy 9-month birthday, Babykins!  And congratulations on all you've accomplished in the last 18 months.