One Year

"On the night you were born, the moon smiled with such wonder that the stars peeked in to see you and the night wind whispered, 'Life will never be the same.' Because there had never been anyone like you... ever in the world."

Nancy Tillman

Elyse's One Year Stats:

Height: 29 1/2" (60%)

Weight: 22.0 lbs (70%)

Teeth: 6 (4 on top and 2 on bottom)

Talking: "Mama" and "bah bah" are pretty much universal words.

"Buh" is for balloons, balls and birds. She loves pointing to all three of these things but doesn't actually want to be anywhere near them.

"Uh oh" when something drops or gets thrown down.

"Up" when she wants to be picked up or crawl up the stairs. Elyse can make it all the way to the top by herself but we have to keep an eye on her because occasionally she likes to lick each stair on her way up!

She stands very well on her own and walks assisted holding one hand or with her push toys.

She will only drink from an open cup or a cup with a straw. No bottle or sippy cup for this girl!

She loves to share her food with us and will try to feed us with a fork or spoon.

She loves to pretend to pour and serve tea and drink it herself from her little play tea set.

She loves books, books, books!!! At least once a day she'll make her way into her room, pull all the books off her bookshelf and just sit there with them all around her looking at the pictures and turning the pages. There are two books that I would recommend to anyone who is a parent or about to become one. "On the Night You Were Born" and "Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You" by Nancy Tillman. We gave these books to her for her 1st birthday and they both make me cry. They are beautifully written and so touching.

Elyse is always very calm and happy but whenever she gets really excited, which happens more and more, she squints her eyes, crinkles her little nose, smiles and breaths in and out really fast. I caught the perfect example of this one day while she was eating yogurt and cheesy puffs.

And she started doing something new when she laughs really hard. Can you hear it?

Elyse rides in her big girl car seat now but she's still not too sure about it. Every time the car starts moving she gets a very worried expression and holds onto the harness or a toy for dear life.

It's hard to fathom that one year has already passed since our beautiful daughter was born. Every single day has been incredible! There were so many changes in this first year and our tiny baby is now becoming a toddler. Her little personality emerges more and more every day. She is independent and strong willed but sensitive and very loving. We are so excited to watch her grow and see the changes this next year brings.

"I wanted you more that you ever will know, so I sent love to follow wherever you go."

"If you're still my small babe or you're all the way grown, my promise to you is you're never alone. You are my angel, my darling, my star... and my love will find you, wherever you are."

Nancy Tillman