One year!

Years are one of those things that seem to pass by so slowly as a child. I can remember that when I was 4 or 5 it seemed like from my birthday in late October, that Christmas would be forever away and that my next birthday was so far in the future that it wasn't worth thinking about. When told we would do something/go somewhere/etc. next year, it could have been 20, for the length that it seemed I must wait for the treat.

No year seems to pass so quickly as the first year of a child's life...if you are the parent!

Aralyn being a year old now, seems so strange. While, she is definately in some ways acting older than a year old (walking well, walking backwards, 5 or 6 or so words, climbing, able to go up and down stairs, her understanding of simple commands), all make her seem much older. And yet, it just doesn't seem like she has been here for a year. Just one year ago we were in my bathroom laboring and waiting to see what our new little baby looked like. It was wonderful to finally hold her and just be amazed with her. She was so much bigger than Aidan and Alora (1.5 pounds bigger) and just so chubby and beautiful. We had a little list of names and the one that I wasn't so sure about seemed to be just the name for this blue eyed, dark haired baby of ours. "Aralyn Joy?" I asked Adam and he agreed. The name was perfect for her and she has proven to be just what her name implies...a true JOY.

She has been a great baby. She is pleasant and lovely, even when tired and worn out. She is going through a bit of a separation anxiety thing right now, but as long as she knows that her daddy or momma are close, or within her reach she is fine. A closed door between us, she won't tolerate for long. She loves her siblings! And they are her best companions and protectors. She is very active, loving to climb and run and be up and down on stairs and such. She is just so busy learning new things. She is so fun.

We had a great time celebrating her day. She got a baby doll from us and she loves it! I am glad it was a winner. She didn't want much to do with her cake. It was too messy I think and she kept holding her fingers up to me and wiggling them and grunting, as if to tell me to wash them off.