One Year Old!

Eloise turned one year old! And so this becomes the last post of her first year blog that will become a book. I haven't decided when I will give her this journal of her first year. Perhaps at high school graduation? When she has her own first child?

We had a celebration at our house that included brunch, a smash cake, and hanging out in the backyard. There were about 30 people in attendance including family and friends. Eloise took a great nap in the morning and woke up 15 minutes before her party started, well-rested and in good spirits. She had a special birthday outfit: an ivory lace petti romper and matching fabric flower headband with a cameo. We sang her happy birthday with the singing cake plate and she ate her smash cake off of a chair in the backyard. At first she put her fingers in the icing and shook it off making a "yuck" face, refusing any bites we tried to feed her. On the fifth try of getting her to eat a piece we finally got a little in her mouth. After she realized it was delicious she ate cake by the fistful! It was a white cake with raspberry filling using the raspberries we picked earlier in the week, and the frosting was pink buttercream. Our guests got raspberry filled cupcakes with the same icing. We had children's music going in the backyard and Eloise did a little dancing, too. After cake we went inside and opened gifts. Eloise did great and was patient, playing with her new toys and also the tissue paper. Her favorite gift was probably the stuffed pink flamingo from her aunt and uncle. Here are a few photos from the day:

Icky, what is this?

Oh! Now I get it!

Mmmm

I love this flamingo!

With her mama right before cake

After the party, Eloise had a chance to spend some time with her cousin Nora and Aunt Emily alone. She really adored Nora and Nora was so sweet to Eloise. In that hour or so, Eloise suddenly started walking all over the place. And now she walks more than she crawls. I credit Nora for inspiring her!

Aunt Emily and cousin Nora hung out for a bit afterward

Just before bed that night, Eloise got measured on the new growth chart. She had her one year check-up today where we learned it's way off. We need to rehang it.

Height: 29  1/4"  (50th percentile)

Weight: 17 lbs 12 oz (18th percentile)

Head circumference: 17 3/4" (55th percentile)

I know I'm taller than this

Eloise has had three more first birthday parties to attend this week for her baby friends. On Saturday we went to Mateo's party and she enjoyed dancing to music there, too. Thankfully one of the mamas snapped a shot.

Get it, girl!

52 weeks old: two days shy of 1 year old, another tooth, and berry picking

Exactly one year ago today, at around 7:00 AM, I woke up with contractions because my sweet baby girl was on her way to being born. I knew my life was about to change forever, as everyone says, but I couldn't know how gloriously fulfilling it would be. Just when I think my heart is as full as it can be with this amazing little being, she stretches it a little bit more. Every little thing about her life so far has been experienced with an all-consuming fascination and joy. Gazing at her for hours just watching her little mouth move when she was a newborn. Being so excited for the spurts of time her eyes were open! Celebrating the first time she could wrap her little fingers around something to hold. Bursting with joy when she looked at me with that first barely-there smile. And the baby laugh, oh man the first baby laughs brought me to my knees. Experiencing everything she saw, everything she tasted, everything she touched with very serious contemplation. Rolling over, and then sitting up, and then crawling, and now walking -- all as monumental as summiting Mount Everest. Some aspects of her personality I now realize have been there since the moment she was born: curious, observant, courageous, independent. She came out with her eyes wide open wanting to take in the world and she has always wanted to face out and be free to see and experience what's going on, not snuggle in. Her temperament has always been easy-going and she has been described as poised, soulful, with a deep peace in her eyes and presence by those who are around her regularly. But she does express her likes and dislikes! Eloise is hands down the best part of my life and I am so excited to continue on this journey as her mother in the years ahead.

Eloise continues to take a few solo steps at a time each day and seems to be pretty proud of herself.

Squeeeeee!

Just this morning we noticed that Eloise's top left tooth in the front has cut through her gums. She had a pretty rough night last night between early fireworks in the neighborhood and, apparently, a new tooth! The other top front tooth seems to be right behind.

On Tuesday Eloise and I met up with friends Erica and Terri and their kids Gus, Nora, and Finley at the Hood River U-Pick. We picked some raspberries. Admittedly, Eloise wasn't much help but she was cute company. Afterward we had a picnic lunch down by the waterfront in Hood River.

Taking a break under a cherry tree

And finally, I continually discover that Eloise understands more than I realize. Apparently she understands hugs!

Bunny love