Happy Birthday Hazel Joy Henderson!!

Today is your first birthday my little Princess. I was thinking today about how exactly one year ago I was giving birth, I was a part of a miracle that nothing on earth can compare to. You are a miracle. You fill the void in my heart I've had since I was 5 where the only purpose I ever felt I had was to be a mom. And now I know it was to be your mom. I was missing you in my heart. I think back to this day when you were born, when you were totally dependent on us for everything. And now I look at you today and see this little person who has learned to sit, crawl, stand, walk, eat, and communicate in your own way. You've always been a very emotion-driven baby, holding those emotions very close to the surface. At times this makes things hard because you get sad or mad or hurt really easily. But then there's the times where you laugh hysterically at the smallest things, smile your biggest smile when I just walk in the room, and you love, you really love the people in your life. You are so full of life, of energy, of strength. And I feel so privileged to be your mom. To be the one you turn to when you need comfort. To be the one who gets to watch this infant turn into a passionate person in only one year. I smile every single day because of you. I laugh every single day because of you. And sometimes I cry, but only because I so deeply want what's best for you and wonder if I'm worthy of the task. I hope you'll forgive me for my shortcomings and always know that I would do anything for you. It's so hard to believe that a year ago I was happy in a life where it was just your dad and me. And now I can't remember ever being without you, ever having a good life without your face to wake up to in the mornings. Thank you for choosing us. Thank you for giving me kisses when I least expect it. Thank you for fulfilling my purpose and giving me the chance to be a mom, to be your mom. I love you my princess, my sweet Hazel Joy. You are the richest blessing in our lives.

Here's what you've been up to the last month, your last month as a baby:

1. You continue to drape everything you find over the back of your neck. Yesterday you were yelling at the cell phone because it wouldn't stay put on your neck. And today you put my pj's on your head and walked straight into the wall.
2. We have discovered Dino Nuggies and now there is no going back. I remember the days when I swore my kids would never eat junk food. It happens faster than you think.
3. You can drink regular milk now and you seem to like it so far (it's only been 2 days).
4. You sit forward facing in a toddler seat now and I love how easily I can see you.
5. You have officially gone to one nap a day now and at first I was opposed, but it makes it easier to go places during the day. You are turning into such a big girl, and way too fast.
6. Your newest favorite form of play is to flip backwards when I'm holding you and we tickle your neck. This does wonders for my herniated disc.
7. You have a major crush on your cousin Will and just stare at him and smile when he's around. Thankfully you are not his type.
8. Your stranger anxiety is worsening and at times you won't let anyone hold you but me. And you get freaked if I leave the room.
9. You are turning into quite the chunk. I am proud to say you have a full adult sized beer belly. Good girl.
10. You love to close the book when I start reading, like you just need to make sure I know you're in control. You think you are so funny. (:
11. It's impossible to get you to stand still, smile or even look at the camera to take a picture. I have all these pictures of you running toward me trying to attack the camera. Or of the back of your head. Thanks to Britta and Amy for the documentation they've been able to get of her face at this age!
12. You use your mouth as your third hand when you need to pick up other toys (you have a need to hold everything at once). Resourceful, you are.
13. You are getting at least 1- but we think we can see 3- teeth on top.
14. Your favorite toys are toothpaste and clothes to adorn your shoulders with. Why do I ever buy real toys? Dad and I end up searching the house every night for our toothpaste when we go to brush our teeth. I bet you are secretly laughing in your crib.
15. Your favorite foods right now are: bananas, toast, yogurt, apple sauce, dried fruit, Dino nuggies, cold spaghettios, spiral Mac & Cheese, wagon wheels, crackers and sometimes Nutri Grain bars. And did I mention, YOGURT?
16. You have your mom's hair- it's really curly when it's wet and straight when it's dry.
17. You are starting to wave with your index finger and thumb out only. Like you're waving a gun in the air. It's pretty funny.

Happy Birthday fweetsie! It's been the best year of our lives!