when i was one i had just begun…

In 365 days from this tiny, helpless thing in the hospital:

to this strong, loud, goofy, determined little lady in her room:

For the past year I’ve taken a photo of Laura (almost) monthly. I open the blinds in her room and sit her with her purple monkey on the big chair and snap away. I did the same thing with both Jake and Noah and really it’s just amazing how fast a baby grows in a single year.

She’s tiny, no doubt. People don’t believe me when I tell them how old she is, but man — don’t let her size fool you. She has a strong grip, pinches like a ninja, crawls all over the place, and as of this morning pulls herself to stand up. She eats like a champ. She loves roast chicken, Uncle Mike’s BBQ ribs, black bean soup, potato soup, strawberries… and naturally, french fries. She has loads of personality, loves her brothers to death, and is obsessed with our cat. (If only she’d start sleeping through the night, but… we’ll get there).

Yup, it’s been quite a year! I can only imagine what the next 12 months will bring. Happy birthday, Lulu!