One year old!

Dear Katie Beth,

My one-year old.

On one hand it doesn't seem possible that it's been 12 months since your first wrestling match to come into the world, but on the other hand when I think about all the changes, long nights, and constant activity of this year, I definitely believe it!

H: 28 in (5%)

W: 18 lbs, 9 oz (5%)

You are a petite one, but since it's ok with your doctor, it's ok with me! You're certainly getting enough to eat...I can't find anything you don't like. Except for eggs - instant gag! And you're not a huge fan of Cheerios, which just seems wrong for a baby. For the most part though, you seem to be a bottomless pit. Which is probably because you need to keep your fuel tank full since you go full tilt from morning to night!

We haven't heard any real (on purpose) words just yet. "Dah!" is still your word for most things, along with a finger point. I'll say "Katie Beth, say 'fish.' And you will reply with an emphatic "dah!". I think you've tried to say "Zoe", but that's a tricky one. I'll hear you chanting "mamamama", and I'll say "Katie Beth, did you say 'mama'? And you'll look me straight in the face and say "Dada."

But whatever you're saying, you, my dear, are as cute as cute can be.

People still comment on how big your eyes are and while the debate between your daddy and I rages on whether they are blue or green, but we both agree they are two of your best features.

You smile with your whole face, and body too, as you always flap, bounce and squeal when you're happy. And the landscape of your grin has changed with the top of a tooth that broke its way through your gums on your birthday. (still not enough to photograph though!)

These tentative first steps you took at 11 months have evolved into full-flegde walking, and now attempts at, gulp, running! You simply cannot get where you want to be fast enough....places like the stairs to the laundry room, Zoe's bed, inside the refrigerator, on top of the dishwasher, etc.

You are definitely a little water bug. Baths are always easy and fun, and if there is a pool, pond or puddle in sight you are squirming your way there to splash and stick your face in it as quickly as possible!

You also love music and will clap and bounce whenever you hear any sort of cadence from real songs, to commercial, even me singing.

Your current favorite tune is "If you're happy and you know it", but you also enjoy "Twinkle, twinkle" and know that it's bedtime when I hold you next to your crib and sing the lullaby that I learned from Aunt Amanda...and all the verses that I had to add on!

You are generally very friendly with both familiar and new faces and don't get too upset yet if I need to leave you with someone, but I have to say, Miss Katie Beth, you are quite the flirt. My boy-crazy girl, you will choose a guy over a girl every time. It's pretty cute...for now.

Mommy loves you, Katherine Elizabeth (that's you!). Born during a flood, turned one during a tornado, you are our little force of nature. We love your spirit, your spunk, your smile and your silliness and can't wait to see what this next year holds.

So thankful in knowing that "every good and perfect gift is from above,"

Mommy