Year in Review

I'm looking forward to sharing photos from Madeleine's first birthday party later this week, so I thought this would be a good time to have a look back at the first year of her life. That, and I might have a mutiny on my hands if we go another day without a Madeleine post. 

Brand new.

Six months.

One year.

Personality. Madeleine has an awesome personality (no bias here - nope). She is this great (challenging) combination of chilled and high energy. She can adapt to different schedules, places, and people, but oooooh does this girl like to go! She is a climber with little fear, yet shows a lot of caution in learning to stand and walk unassisted. She is incredibly social and happily gives smiles to anyone who will give her attention. Even though she only has a few words, she babbles up a storm when we're at home or in the car. She tends to be more reserved around others, especially other kids. 

Favorites. Our sweet girl is equal parts Daddy's girl and Mama's girl. She gets absolutely thrilled when Daddy comes home, comes into the room, or just comes within earshot. Then again, there are absolutely moments when only a Mum will do. 

Nicknames. Sweet Pea. Baby Girl. Sweet Madeleine. Miss M. Miss Madeleine. Madeleine Monster. Monsterkins. Babykins. Cutiekins. Super Storm Madeleine. Wiggle Woo. Wiggle Monster. Snuggle Pop. Snuggles.

Food. Despite our rookie mistake with trying to feed Madeleine grown up steel cut oats for her first food, Madeleine is generally a good eater. Admittedly, she fluctuates between eating everything in sight and throwing everything in sight on the floor. Thankfully, though, the latter phase usually ends just as I'm about to craft a Craigslist ad (KIDDING!). She loves strawberries, quinoa, cheese, hummus, tortilla, roasted red peppers, eggs, and potatoes. She has a love/hate relationship with broccoli and bananas - just depends on the week. She has consistently turned her nose up at avocado. 

Madeleine: 1     Gnocchi: 0

Sleep. For the most part, Madeleine has been a good sleeper. She's slept in her crib in the nursery since she was 24 hours old. She learned early on how to put herself to sleep. The hiccups she's had this year (during our trip to NZ and from nine months to 11 months) came because she convinced George and I that she needed us...even though we all would have been better off if we'd reminded her of how to sleep properly through the night. Live and learn. 

Lovies. While Madeleine doesn't specifically ask for any of her lovies, she gets especially happy when she sees Haka Bear, her stuffed kiwi, Kitty Cat (Beanie Baby), Fuzzy Bear (Baby Gund), and Brown Bear. She sleeps with Kitty Cat and Fuzzy Bear and sometimes refuses to give them up when it's time to get out of the crib. 

Toys. It's hard to call out a favorite for the year because so much has changed over this year. She loved her play gym for the first six months and her Jumperoo from six to nine months. Her rattle Oball was a favorite in the early days. The magic toy was the best during our visit to NZ. The bird (pajarito) in her carseat has been with her all year and is a favorite way for her to "ring" her parents from the backseat. She loved My First Pets. She went through a few months of absolutely looooving balls of all kinds, especially her sensory balls. She currently loves to nest cups and rock in her rocking chair, not necessarily at the same time. 

Books. Madeleine loooves books. Her Haiku Baby book was the first one in which she could turn the pages. Day at the Market is a favorite of mother and daughter. She loves the Harry Maclary books from New Zealand and anything by Eric Carle, especially Brown Bear. 

Game. This is no contest. Madeleine adores playing peek-a-boo at all hours of the day and night. It's pretty much the sure way to get a smile out of her, even when she's not in a great mood and especially after bathtime. 

Friends. Our sweet girl has been lucky enough to get together with her six PEPS buddies (Austin, Nolan, Luca, Hannah, Cooper, and Jack) almost every week for the last year. She enjoyed "playing" with her friends and cousins in New Zealand, and she has been able to hang out with the Midglets twice this year. She adores being adored by the older kids living next door, too. 

Traveling. Madeleine has been a busy traveler this year, starting with her first flight at six weeks. She has been to Ohio, the Bay Area, to and throughout the North Island of New Zealand, Las Vegas, Dallas and Fort Worth, Phoenix, and Portland. That's seven states and two continents. Not bad. 

Memorable Moments. Madeleine was a ray of sunshine during some particularly tough times this year, like when my mom was diagnosed with a brain tumor and when I had to suddenly have an appendectomy on vacation. I'll never forget her first smile (brought out by my mom) on my 30th birthday, her first crawl in Denaye and David's backyard, and her first word spoken on our front porch. I recall the trust on her face when George took her into the swimming pool for the first time. George and I were so fortunate to be able to introduce her to so many of our friends and family this year, spanning a large portion of the globe, and each introduction carries its own memories. I have a hard time describing the utter joy that comes across Madeleine's face (and voice) when she spots a dog, but it's priceless. It's been very special to get bonding time while nursing Madeleine during this first year; there is simply nothing else like a baby cuddle. Even though I may not think about it at every diaper change, it is neat to be able to put her bum in fluff for most of the year. 

Oh, what a year it has been! Our precious baby is growing into an energetic little girl, and I can't wait to see where this next year will take us!