“I would have given anything to keep her little.  they outgrow us so much faster than we outgrown them.” – jodi picoult

Baker Bree- you are ONE!  can I just go on the record to say that this was THE fastest year ever.

I cannot even imagine our life without you in it. 

your bright personality.

your contagious laugh.

the joy that spreads across your face when your big sisters come into the room.

the biggest swell of my mama heart when I see all three of my girls sharing the biggest sister love.

so many things come flooding to my mind as I think about this first year of your little life.

a YEAR.  I cannot believe it’s been a year since you made your unexpected entrance into this world.  teeny.  wide eyed.. and completely content- already 100% Baker. we spent a good time of those 9 months of you growing inside my belly contemplating who you would most resemble.  who would be the lucky one for you to favor in looks and personality.

but we learned quickly that you are just YOU.  Baker.. there is no one like you.

it has given me nothing but pure joy to watch you reach and succeed in these major milestones in the first year: rolling, sitting, pulling up, crawling, walking..and now talking!  so many fun things and moments and memories to look back on- and while I thought YES, for sure I would be heart broken because a whole year has flown by in just a blink of an eye.. I’m kinda loving this age with you, girlfriend.  

the complete disarray of your hair when you wake from a good nap.

the bob of your head and thrust of your tummy when you catch a tune + beat.

the squeals and screeches when you are the most happy.

the necessity for 2-4 pacifiers at all times.  one for your mouth and as many as you can carry.. no paci will be left behind!

..and from the stories from my own mama, I did this, too when I was your age!

the way you stomp your right foot when you are squawking for attention..

and when you turn to smirk at me when I call your name because you are wandering too far for comfort.

you are just too much, Baker. 

over the last year we have been through it all! the good times are too many to count.. but I cant forget those bumps along the way.  during those first few months I can never recall being more exhausted in my entire life!  nursing you to sleep turned into a terrible habit of cluster feeding at all hours of the night.  hey.  whatever works. and we made it through – 6 months later.  but not without remembering that one time your mother forgot to put a diaper on you at the 5am feeding and woke up to a nice surprise at 8am.

..or the time you had a blow out while sleeping in the solly wrap and you completely destroyed the wrap, my clothes, your clothes.. and your mama had no diapers or anything to change you into.

okayyy!  it totally took me some time to get the hang of having a newborn in the house again!

either way.. you’ve completely changed our lives, Baker girl

your big sisters absolutely adore you and want nothing more than to make you laugh.  your daddy is smitten and I hate to say it, but you have got him hooked with whatever charm you spit out in his direction.  your BB cannot get enough of your joy.  papa just giggles with every move you make.. and big cousin kendall just wants to hold Baby Baker as tight as she can and for as long as she can get away with it. Grayson tolerates your love pats (smacks?) and fish hooks- and reciprocates the ‘love’ with his slobbery sugars and head lean. auntie finds you hilarious and such a busy body, and you are never too busy to stop for a snuggle from the scratchy bearded face of uncle j! 

you are loved my sweet little girl.  loved BIG TIME.

today is all about you.

and may it be the happiest.

I love you, boo!