Mia's 1st Birthday!

Mia is one already!

Mia has brought us so much joy every single day for the last year (and before she was even born). She is a sweetheart who loves people-watching, reading books, music, wrestling with Daddy, swinging at the park, barking, chirping, and waving to any animal she sees, and testing Mommy and Daddy to make sure they are being attentive to her at all times. Her tricks include clapping, waving, peekaboo, "so big", finding various body parts, whistling (with an intake of air), snapping (yep, she just started snapping at me one day while waiting for her food), and winking, both left and right (just kidding about that last one). She has just now started taking a few steps on her own as well, so we are excited and scared for that behavior to become a little more commonplace. She is also a great snuggler and loves to kiss all of her books, toys, stuffed animals, and, most of all, herself in the mirror. Kisses for actual people are a little more rare, but that's ok. You don't want to go around just handing those things out, ya know what I mean? Mia loves to explore and loves being outside. She thinks she is quite the big girl and attempts all sorts of things she shouldn't as she tries to keep up with kids who are a little older. Some of her very favorite activities are dancing, Skyping with Grandma & Grandpa, and hanging out with the lacrosse girls Mommy coaches.

Here is a little recap of the festivities to celebrate her 1st year:

She couldn't keep her eyes off of the balloons long enough to smile for the camera.

LOVED the balloons.

This little number lasted for all of 20 seconds before it was promptly removed and smooshed in her birthday death grip. It was a cute idea while it lasted.

Mia approached her first cupcake with caution.

She wasn't so sure about the sticky icing until she got a taste of it.

And then all bets were off and she wasn't entirely in control anymore.

In the end, she thoroughly enjoyed her first birthday cake experience.

The next day was Saturday and we took the opportunity to use Mia's birthday as an excuse to get together with friends before we move. I completely forgot to take pictures during her little party, so the ones we have are courtesy of our friends.

Mia and her buddy (boyfriend), Keller, share a lukewarm greeting.

But are soon laughing off the awkwardness and chatting it up during the party.

By the end of the party, Mia had ditched her headband, but not her birthday girl glow.

We can't believe we brought this little munchkin home from the hospital a year ago!