Maisy is 1!

There's a song - something like "Slow down, you move too fast. Try to make the moment last." I think it's a Beatles song, but it's also the song in my heart. Please slow down my sweet children.  Watching my last child turn 1 has been an experience.  Since the day she was born, Maisy has been particular. She has always known what it is that she wants and when she wants it and how she wants it.  This applies to food, milk, water, diapers, clothes, touches, who holds her, etc.  She is very easy, so long as you speak Maisy.  Most people speak Maisy because she screams until you get her drift. She's a fantastic eater and, when she isn't sleeping, she likes to be eating. If she is not eating or sleeping, she likes to nurse (which she does as much as a 6 month old) and there is no weaning in sight - so don't bother asking. However, she is a heartbreaker. She is the only child that all 3 of the other children adore. And I mean that they ADORE her. Her husband is up against some huge competition. 

Maisy is One and her preferred mode of transportation is still crawling.  That being said, she stands all the time. She takes more steps everyday, although she prefers to walk while holding my fingers. If I distract her with a toy, I can have my finger back in order to go do something else (make dinner, fold laundry, clean the playroom, etc). As soon as she realizes that the finger is gone, she crawls after me whining. Particular. Particularly cute.

Lately we have been going up to Palos Verdes a lot. Brian and I love the resort up there, but he isn't usually with us when we go. There are tons of seals, sea lions, birds, caves to explore and rocks to throw. It's a nice place to go for a long walk ("hike") and be outdoors. This picture was taken the day before her birthday at the beach in PV.

 This was her cake - Minnie Mouse!

 She's excited for her birthday party to start!

 We had a bubble lady come and she put each of the kids inside of a bubble. Inside. So COOL!

 Maisy and James are crushing on each other.

 Then there were pools of bubbles outside for the kids to use. Oh they were so excited to play with bubbles!

 And she had a smash cake! She LOVED it. So cute.

 Happy birthday song.

 I love her perfect little back, decorated in bubbles.

 Look at the excitement on her face!

 And a bath afterwards (with Aunt Megan and Gramma Melody's help!)

 Much better

 These 2. They have a magical relationship.

 She wanted to go sit on his lap.

 She's clapping - she loves it!

 Rachel. Sweet, wonderful Rachel!

 Baby Snuggles

 All the cake!

 She loves this new toy - her Frozen push cart!

 I love this baby. This was her, asleep on her first birthday. She was a charming and gracious host. She slept from 10:30-1 and her party began at 1. It was so wonderful to have a happy and well-rested baby for the party.

 Ms. Shelby came over and held her last year when she was 2 days old. What a difference a year makes!

 On Tuesday, Meema and I revived our old tea tradition and took Aspen with us to the Peninsula. She enjoyed herself.

 So did we!

 I taught her how ladies drink their tea with 2 hands.

 The 3 of us! So much fun. Maybe in a few years, Maisy can come too.

 Then, because Megan is amazing and already had my other 3 kids, I took Aspen for a mani/pedi to get ready for our Costa Rica trip.

 And this is my girls, chillin' at home. 2 big girls in big chairs. I feel like I could fast forward 13 years to my 2 teenage daughters hanging out in the playroom. Loving each other's attention. How I adore these little people - all 4 of them.  It is truly a divine privilege to be their Mommy. (Even though some days I forget that.....)