A Jig and Some Grog for One Annum! (or, "Happy First Birthday, HD")

A year ago today was the hardest, most painful, utterly life-changing, core-shaking, and most beautiful days of my entire life.  Days since then have contained a fair share of frustration, exhaustion, self-doubt.  But every single one of those days have contained some measure of hilarity, awe, and wonder at the amazing human bean that Hubs and I created (seriously, on a weekly basis we look at her doing something funny/awesome and one of us will exclaim, "We made that!!").

Kid, you are independent to a fault (you can thank your mama for that lovely trait/curse).  You are funny, and such a ham.  You will perform for anyone, and you're such a social butterfly at this early age!  Your love is deep and strong, if your near demolition of stuffed animals while you "cuddle" with them is any indication (yeah, we may wait a couple more years on getting a dog!).  You get bored easily, mostly with your food.  At age 1, you already know that variety is the spice of life.  But contradictorily, you are super loyal to your most favorite toys and books, repeatedly seeking out Where the Wild Things Are or your pink puppy dog.  You are inquisitive and kind, already trying to share your food with your parents, caressing our faces when we sing to you, and bestowing kisses upon all and sundry.  I hope you always love as hard as you do now.

We've seen a lot over the past year, here are some highlights, in no particular order:

Day one, our little sumo chick.

Age 2 months, your first vacation to the beach!

3 months = practically a teenager (i.e. disgust with parental photography)

Happy, happy, happy at 5 months

Belly scooting at 7 months-ish.

Cruising on over to the Easter Bunny

Your highly inappropriate parents think pics of babies with beer is funny.

Teeny weenie (almost a month?).

6 month "birthday" avocado treat!  And the only time we ever made you wear a headband!

   HD, your daddy and mama think you're the most awesome person ever.  Can't wait to see all the things you'll learn, accomplish, and become.  You may not always love pirates, Lyle Lovett, blueberries, puppies, and your mama's hair, but we hope you remain as confident, loving, and fun as you are now.  Love you, suge.