Letters for Hazel: One Year

Hazel,
Happy First Birthday sweet girl! This has been such an incredible year. People are right when they say that it goes fast. Oh man, this year went fast. We have so much to be thankful for, and you are on the top of that list. This year has been so full. Full of amazing memories, full of firsts, full of learning for Mommy and Daddy about how to raise you, full of new adventures, and full of family time! It has been so fun to think back on this year and how big you have become, and how much you have learned. It's amazing that you are walking...yes, walking, and talking, and eating big girl food, and telling us what you want (by screeching, pointing, or just general grunts). You are such a sweet and easy going baby still - for the most part. You have definitely developed an opinion of your own, and really don't like it when we tell you no.

The biggest news around here is the walking. Over the past couple of weeks you have been taking a couple of steps here and there, but nothing major. But....over the past few days, you have decided to explore more on your own. You will start at the ottoman, let go, and take 4-5 steps over to the couch! Or you will take a bunch of steps between Mommy to Daddy. It's been really hard to get a picture of the walking since it pretty much takes two hands to supervise you, but we finally got a couple of videos to prove it!

We took you to Red Robin for your birthday lunch, and even had a surprise visit from Aunt Alison! You loved looking around at all the people, eating bits of our french fries, and just hanging out. They sang Happy Birthday to you, and even gave you a balloon and ice cream sundae. Good thing Mommy, Daddy, and Aunt Alison were there to help eat the sundae! You weren't quite sure what to think about the singing. At first you were a little nervous, then you got a little more nervous, and when they were done you were on the verge of tears. But...when we all clapped and said "yay" you smiled and clapped too. You LOVED the balloon. You kept giving it kisses, and then looking up at it! Aunt Al let you try some whip cream, and I'm pretty sure it was love at first taste.