The speed at which time flies is something that constantly amazes me. I know people say this all the time, especially when it comes to their kids, but I can hardly believe that Addy is one entire year old. A few weeks ago (clearly I am a little late on the blog entry) we all gathered to celebrate.
When thinking of a theme for her party, polka dots was one of the first things that came to mind. To me they were cute, fun, and girly...3 things that perfectly describe Addy. As a bonus, polka dot party supplies are quite easy to find!
Addy's cake was a labour of love and patience. Love because it was quite time consuming and patience because I had Colin repeating "Can I have some please?" the ENTIRE time I was icing it.
Polka dot plates and napkins...
Polka dot banner on a finished fireplace (another blog to come with details on that one)...
Polka dot goody bags for the younger guests...
Polka dot balloons...
And the polka dot girl herself, complete with the smallest clip that has ever been created in her hair.
She is getting better on her feet every day, and will stand unassisted for lengthy periods of time now.
Some of the kids...
Presents! This Hello Kitty doll was given to Addy when she was about 2 weeks old at a wedding shower we attended for a family member. Lily was coveting the doll so I asked her then if she would take care of it until Addy was old enough to play with it herself. Lily did just that, for almost a full year and reminded her mother of this fact before they left for the party and wanted to give it back to Addy as part of her birthday present. Is she not just the sweetest cousin?
Daintily eating her cake.
Something I am trying to get better at is taking pictures of myself with the kids. I really want to start documenting things better and have me included. Glad we got one shot at least!
The party was great, I think everyone had a great time and Addy was immensely blessed with many fun toys and beautiful clothing. Like I have said in the past, the party was just another great reminder of the amazing friends and family our kids have been blessed with.
Today, you turn exactly one year old. A year ago today I woke up after another restless night of false labour and braxton hicks and most definitely did not think you were coming anytime soon. You seemed to like it just where you were and did not seem to be in any rush. I spent the day soaking in your brother and our simple life of morning walks, throwing rocks into the water at the park and leisurely strolls through the grocery store. After a long walk with your Grandparents, your brother and I headed home to meet your Dad and Nana and Poppa at home for supper. Mid-way through the meal was when I thought you might be near. Half an hour later I was sure.
The past year has been fun, but I would be lying if I said it didn't come with its challenges. I have never hidden from anyone that the newborn and super-baby stages are not my favorite. I am not one of those people that soaks in a newborn and swoons and awes at their sight. Don't get me wrong, I loved your small-ness, and how unbelievably cute your tiny hands and feet were, but the work associated with a newborn is something that can sometimes overshadow even the deepest of finger dimples. Oh, the work. The work is exhausting, even though you, my sweet girl, were actually fairly easy to figure out. Getting nursing and sleeping established, fitting your needs into our daily lives, and dealing with a less than impressed toddler at times definitely created some challenging moments. That being said, at the end of it all, your warmth and your joy are all I remember.
A few weeks ago, the weather finally turned and the sun started to shine. Your room, since it faces west becomes quite warm in the afternoon even with the curtains drawn. I went to get you from your afternoon nap and as I was taking off your sleep sack and basking in the joy that is you after a nap, I smelled a wonderful smell I had totally forgotten about. The only way I can describe it is summer baby. It is the smell of a baby after a nap in a warm room, where the bottom of their hair curls with sweat and the lotion on their skin is as fragrant as ever. Combine that with a bit of diaper smell (which sounds gross but it isn't, I swear) and you have what is known as summer baby. The second I smelt it I was transported back in time to the 1st summer we shared with your brother and how I would sink my nose into his neck after his naps and soak in the smell. On this day, I did the same and you laughed and laughed at the feeling of my face, buried in your neck. Simultaneously to the smell came the overwhelming reminder that with you, my sweet girl, the best is yet to come. You have entered the baby/toddler stage and I adore it. I love how much you talk now - you cannot sneak up on anyone. You come barreling into a room and command the attention of everyone with your crazy looking crawl and your yells, squawks and squeals. You smile for everyone - every where we are people constantly stop to love on you as your smile and your joy are truly contagious. In the past month or so you have developed quite the temper and let everyone know when you are not happy. Your brother is quickly figuring out that he can't get away with taking a toy from you as easily as he could in the past. You are most certainly assertive when it comes to letting us know when you're not happy. I suppose that's a good thing since your Grandpa always says "we need more assertive young women in this society". Hopefully that trait will continue to grow in you. It will definitely come in handy in the future.
You were never a crier, didn't really even shed a single tear until you became mobile. And now, oh my, the tears. The deadly silence before the wailing. Because you hit your head again, or you're stuck, or Colin has taken your toy, or we won't let you chew on Jake's ear. And boy, do you play it up. Like every incident is the end of the world. And then, I give you your baby or your blanket, or both, and instantly you stop and snuggle into them and the world, to you, is perfect again. I have never experienced a child be as comforted by an object as you are by those two things. I will keep track of them like a hawk as I do not even want to know what a day would be like without them.
About 3 weeks ago, I went back to work and in a way, I lost a bit of you. Today, sitting here and writing this letter to you, I feel like I don't know you as well as I used to. I am not totally sure what time you have been napping, or what foods you have been trying during the day. It is so very hard for me to accept that you are now somewhat independent from me. It's a catch 22 as ultimately, growing independence is something that I look so forward to with both you and your brother, but I am not totally sure I was quite ready for it yet with you. I am going to try hard to soak our long weekends in and use your birthday weekend where we don't have much going on to reconnect with you. I want to smell your summer baby smell, kiss you soft cheeks and celebrate you and your One-ness.
Meeting you on that warm, dark May night was something I will never forget. You were placed in my arms and you looked up at me with your dark blue eyes and instantly I knew that you were going to make my life so much better. You have filled me right up and I now see life through the magic of your eyes. The world has more colour because you are in it, music is a bit louder because you a hearing it, everything is funnier because you are laughing at it.
From day one, you have been the sweetest of the sweet. The loveliest little girl and full of light and love. I love you to the moon and back, to forever and always, and more than I could even explain or you could ever understand. You are my bestest girl and I'm so happy you're mine.
My husband and I set out on a house building journey in the spring of 2010. This blog was created to show the progress on Clarence Road, as well as tell the story of our growing family.
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