Dear Mim,
I'm still not sure how it's possible that a full year has passed since you came into our lives. It feels like you've been a part of our family forever and I can't imagine life without you in it. But it also feels like just yesterday we were heading to the hospital super early on a hot July morning in eager anticipation of meeting you in a few short hours. You came into the world and completely stole our hearts with your big eyes and sweet demeanor. Those first few days in the hospital alone with you as we snuggled in bed and got to know each other were some of the best days of my life. And every day since with you has been pretty darn fantastic. Everything is better with you around.
At one year old, you are in the 90th percentile for weight, length and head circumference (98th on that one)! Go baby! You're 22.9 pounds of chunky goodness and are quickly catching up to your string bean big brother (you now wear the same size diapers). You are also the sweetest, happiest, funniest, lovingest, snuggliest baby around. You are busy and active, trying to keep up with your big brother, but you always have time for a hug and go out of your way to lay your head down on us and give us cuddles. I joke and say that as ornery as Mac is, you are that sweet - which is pretty true. You have a stuffed Jellycat bunny that you sleep with every night and you give hugs and kisses to every stuffed animal (and toy and doll and real animal and real baby) you see. You give open-mouth kisses and pats on the back. When you're tired, you give us a big hug and put your head down on our shoulder and snuggle in. You love to be held and will hold your hands up or crawl up our leg and insist on being carried around. You are a lover and so incredibly sweet.
Just because you're sweet doesn't mean that you're not also mischievous and demanding. Now that you're walking (very well), you are a force to be reckoned with. You love toddling around the house, getting into everything you know you shouldn't be in. As soon as we're not looking, you usually head straight for the stairs and climb them as fast as you can. You know you're not supposed to and you say "nooo" and shake your head as you do it, which is hilarious. You also love to splash in the dog water bowl and pull all the clothes out of drawers. You love to eat paper and cannot be trusted around the mail, receipts, lists, coloring books, paper towels, etc. You've also taken a few bites out of a cardboard box or two. You do not like it when you don't get your way and you make your frustrations known to all with the most ear-piercing screams. You usually end up getting whatever you want because it's painful listening to you if you don't. You're pretty laid-back, but you certainly can be quite the little diva when you want something.
Speaking of wanting something, you want whatever Mac has and Mac wants whatever you have. All the time. I have siblings, so I know this is a theme that will continue for YEARS, but my goodness is it ridiculous. Mac's bigger and faster (for now), so he has a much easier time stealing from you, but you've got your own tricks (see note about screaming above). You also have started stealing from him while he's distracted. And you've figured out that screaming before he does anything (or even gets close to you) will keep him at a distance (and even get him in trouble). I think you're handling this little sister stuff pretty well. Most of the time you love him to pieces and he's your best friend. He doesn't always feel the same. You're so tough and are always covered in bumps, scrapes and bruises due to his "love" and wrestling, but you take it all in stride. You love watching him, imitating him and following in his footsteps. He's becoming more interested in you too, now that you can walk and are starting to understand some of his basic commands (eat this, try this, come here, sit over there). He loves making you laugh and wants to play with you so badly sometimes. Other times he wants us to leave you home with Sage so he gets all the attention. Don't worry, we haven't done that yet.
You're also becoming more vocal. You say dada, mama no and uh-oh. You gibber-gabber all the live long day, but we have no idea what you're saying. It's really cute. You sing and love to imitate noises. You are love music and dancing/shaking. You clap all the time. You wave hi and bye to everyone you see. You can blow a duck call like no one's business. You LOVE to eat and have not really encountered a food that you didn't devour. Meat, bread, pizza, pasta, fruit, veggies, cookies, cereal, oatmeal. Whatever. You'll eat it all. For your one year photo session we did a cake smash and it was epic! I cannot wait to see the photos - you demolished that cake! In the past month we've dropped your dream feed bottle, so you now sleep through the night (7:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.) It's GLORIOUS!! We just dropped your morning bottle and cut your naptime bottle in half, so you are only taking one full bottle, right before bedtime. And that will be gone soon too. Man, that went quick.
You are getting so big and so incredibly beautiful these days. You have fine blonde hair with perfect little ringlet curls in the back. It's thin, but it's coming in. Your eyes are still a mix of blue and brown. They're so different than anything I've seen and they seem to change all the time depending on the light. I have no idea how to describe them, nor have I been able to get a good photo that accurately shows their color. You have the most amazing chunky thighs and little baby buddah belly. Now that you're walking I'm sure you'll lose a little of that, but I hope not. You have 4 top teeth and 2 on the bottom. You still have the prettiest hands with long elegant fingers. You have your dad's feet - I'm sorry about that.
Happy first birthday, miss Mim! It has been such a wonderful year and it's been my honor and privilege getting to know you and love you. You're such an amazing little person and I can't wait to see what the next year (and the 100 after that) will bring! Thank you for being you...thank you for being mine.
Love,
Your mama
Mac vs. Mim
12 months of Mim
