My happy first birthday

My magical little love Echo,

Today we celebrated your first year of life, and the happiness you brought along. I worked from home, to pick up your cake and balloons, while your nanny Faith took you on a usual day of adventure and play. As a gift, she got you your own talking ball. She usually brings one that belongs to her grandchildren, and you love playing with it. So now you have your own.

After Faith left, you and I had a little play time of our own, with balloons, and whatever you found to be fun, such as lip balm,

before we headed out to your birthday dinner at Tutta Bella. There, every kid gets a piece of pizza dough to play with, making the place a favorite of Zoe's. Zoe's friend Geniva, her mom and grandparents, along with our all time friend Bill, nonna, nonno, and me were there to celebrate your presence.

A few days prior, I took pictures of my top 3 cakes at the bakery, and asked Zoe's help to pick the best one. She picked a Hello Kitty nature theme, with grass, flowers, sky, an apple tree, and a rainbow. It was the rainbow that sealed the deal for her.

We each had a piece of cake, but you preferred to eat directly from the source, pocking your finger deep into the colorful frosting, and licking it. At some point, you had enough, but you kept poking the frosting, and smearing your cake covered finger on your dress.

Thus came the bib, a little too late.

You skipped a nap during the day, with all the excitement of gifts and balloons, and it was difficult to keep you calm and still for pictures. At home, both you and Zoe stayed up late, playing with the gifts, and carrying the energy and excitement of the special event.

On your birthday, I saw you take 3 forward steps, completely on your own, and 5, without forward move. Faith saw you take 5 steps forward. You are very comfortable on your feet. You and Zoe love each other's company, but when you interrupt her play, and destroy the scenes she set up for her pretend-play, or take away her mommy-Zoe time, she closes her door, politely and diplomatically. You stand behind her door, hand on the knob, eyes desperate to get in.

For the last couple of weeks, you've been saying MAMA clearly, and intentionally, referring to me - MAMA. We love hearing it - especially me.

Your 1 year wellness exam is scheduled for June 23, so update on your growth is to come.

It is hard to believe that exactly a year ago, you became part of our life, and infused it with your beaming smile and fun personality.

I love you,

Mommy