Maeli,
It blows our mind that you are already 1 year old! We remember about this time last year when we would sit in the living room and talk about how great life would be with you here. Now we sit in the exact same spot and watch as you waddle around the living room throwing all the pillows off the couch with a goofy look on your face. There's no doubt that life with you is even better than we imagined...
If there is anything that you do not have a shortage of, it is definitely PERSONALITY! In an average day, you probably make 50 different faces - you are most known for wrinkling your nose. You like to play games with us by going after something you're not supposed to and having us catch you. When you hear us getting close you start moving faster and once caught, you always laugh and want to be put down right away so you can do it again. We can always tell when you want to play this game because you'll start crawling/walking away from us and will look over your shoulder to see if we're following.
When you play, you play hard! You never stop moving and you hate to miss out on even a second of the action. Someone once referred to you as a very "social" baby and we think that is the perfect word to describe you. You love people! You smile at every stranger and never miss out on an opportunity to put on a show and be the center of attention. Just yesterday, Mom was at lunch with friends and watched you wander from table to table stopping and smiling at each group of people just long enough to have them dote on you before moving on. It will be interesting to see how you do with a sibling one of these days...
We've recently noticed that you have become EXTREMELY independent. You want to do everything yourself and can be very stubborn if we try to take away that independence. We usually have to place all of your food in front of you so you can pick it up yourself.
At one year old you have approximately ZERO teeth! We know that teeth will make your life easier but now that we've grown so accustomed to your toothless grin, we will be a little sad to see it go.
You just started walking full-time and we can already tell that our lives are about to become even busier. Your days of cuddling with mom and dad are long gone now that you refuse to sit still!
You have no problem getting dirty and have always been very "dainty" while making a mess. With the pointing of your toes and the feminine movement of your hands, you have mastered the art of making playing in the dirt look ladylike.
Maeli, words can't even begin to describe the joy that you've brought to our lives. You continue to amaze us with the crazy amount of new things you learn each day. It's been so much fun getting to watch you grow and develop over the last year. Everyone always says "it's different with your own kids" and it's completely true. You are our best bud, our pride and joy, and our greatest accomplishment. Happy birthday Maeli Cakes! We can't wait to celebrate a lifetime more of birthdays with you!
Love,
Mom & Dad
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