ONE year old!

Dearest Delaney/Laneybug/Crazy Toes/Little Lady/Laneylooloo,

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes!  One year ago, you were "Franklin Lucille" to us, and without a real name.  Now, you have too many names (I often wonder what you think your name is since we are so inconsistent!).  One year ago, we knew we would love you but we had absolutely no idea that we would love you this much!  One year ago, we could not imagine what you would be like, and now we are observing the wonderful personality you have. (Several people have made comments that we are going to have our hands full with you- you are a character, you are busy and you are smart....)

You are such a talker!  You have become so proficient at greeting DeeDee on the phone or skype with "hi, DeeDee" that now you say it to everyone, including strangers.  You've started saying "hi, dog" and "hi, daddy" (but of course not "hi mama").  You point out a "dog" whenever you see one.  Angus and Dudley are still your favorite things in the world, even though the feeling isn't mutual.  You like to play "peek" and still love to read a "book."  You grab your Elmo or baby doll and talk all about your "baby."  You love to play "Where's Delaney/Daddy/baby?" and try to approximate "there she/he is!"  I have this promonition that "no" is going to be a new word, and a favorite word very, very soon...

You are starting to stand without holding on and getting braver cruising around furniture.  We know walking isn't far away!  You love going to Gymboree and climbing all over, all while socializing with the babies and adults there too of course.  You also seem to be preferring to use your left hand.  We don't have any lefties in our immediate family- maybe you'll be the first?  Or you'll be ambidextrous like your maternal great-grandfather?

I packed up lots of your baby toys as you have moved on to your new big toddler toys. Musical instruments, blocks, and Little People are your favorites.  You love making choices too, especially with books.  You push one of the books aside and point to the other book.  You always seem to have an opinion.     

You have remained the exact same weight (22 lbs. 14 oz) for the last 5 months (75th percentile, which is the first time you have been on the weight chart since you were one month old!).  You are at the 50-75th percentile for height.  Have I mentioned how tiny your feet are?  You have just grown out of your size 2 shoes, while most other kids your age are wearing size 4, 5, even 6.  You also have 2 front teeth that are almost grown in- and we've added Bucky, Lauren Hutton and David Letterman to your new names, as you have quite the gap between them. 

You have grown so much this year- and then I have to wonder if perhaps we as parents have grown just as much?  Your dad and I are not the same people we were one year ago.  We are obviously more worried, more tired, and more overwhelmed, but we have learned so much through parenting you.  You have brought such incredible joy into our lives. Your dad would admit too that his little girl has softened him- you have him wrapped around your finger.  Happy birthday, baby girl- feel free to slow down on this growing up stuff. 

So much love for you,
Mama