My baby turns 1!

So my little blessing turns 1 year old today. I thank the Universe for her spirit everyday. I haven't written since she was about 3 months I think, but just haven't been inspired to do so, until today. Maybe more laziness and exhaustion of the day. Regardless, she's awesome and I can't wait for her to show me even more of who she is.

Her personality is bursting through between her perseverance and obsession with sliced cheese. She must get that from her father (perseverance that is, she gets the cheese thing from me). She loves Sesame Street, Dora the Explorer and Yo Gabba Gabba, but Elmo is her absolute favorite. She is also saying "Abba" for Abby Cadabby. I think she might like Barney too, but I can't possibly stand to watch it for very long for this to develop in her.

She started cruising at 8 months, walking at 10 and half, and says "Mama." I like to think she is calling for me, but she also calls food "ma" so I don't think that this is a coincidence since we are still nursing. So, if you translate, she is calling me "food-food" or "milk-milk." Her favorite phrase is "nena" or "nene" and actually says "Alela" for abuela.

She dances almost as soon as she wakes up and will dance to almost anything. The radio, a tv commercial, even a cell phone ring tone. She loves to play cat and mouse in the kitchen, behind the rocking chair, or around the coffee table. Aiyana is ticklish and just loves to laugh like all kids should. She brings me joy everyday even though she still keeps me up at night and will wake up about 3 times before morning. Yikes. Oh and this week she started banging my cake pans together all around the house like she's in a band. Too cute.

However, I don't like the fact that I now have a toddler, vs. a baby. I don't look forward to tantrums (a semblance of this has already begun), running away from me or the continued mischief she's already displaying. She tests me in many ways throughout the day!

I do look forward to her upcoming birthday party, her not putting every single little dust bunny she finds on the floor in her mouth (thank you for keeping us on our toes) and her ability to really play with her toys versus just banging them all around.

Oh and I can't wait for the potty training to begin.

I cry when I think of her graduating kindergarten, going to college or getting married. I love her so much I can't even put it into words. This year has been full of diapers, bottles, exhaustion and worry. But it's been so worth it. I hope I can continue to be a good milk-milk for her future years to come. Happy Birthday Aiyana!