How old?

How old are you turning this week, Anika Iris?

One?

One year old?

Yes it is true. Our baby girl is branching out and becoming a toddler this week. A toothless toddler at that but no longer a baby.

With her maturity has come an independent streak. Throughout my pregnancy and for the past year of her life we have been bragging and raving about Anika’s content, peaceful state of mind 99.99% of the time. 

Anika remains a content, happy baby. She still sleeps 12 hours at night, uninterrupted 99.99% each day plus takes a long afternoon nap. But she has developed a strong commanding and demanding shout when she needs and wants something. 

No doubt Anika is learning from her spit-fire sister who has never slept for twelve hours straight and is rarely content in one place for more than two minutes.

Yes on these pictures they are BOTH in the pack-n-play together…their choice. Elizabeth thinks it is fabulously fun to play in there (for short increments of course) with Anika. 

It is a rare occasion that the girls together can be contained and content simultaneously so I snapped these pictures of them during their joint playtime. Maybe this is a sign of what is to come? They will play as loving sisters quietly and contently together?

While Anika is transitioning from her baby to toddler stage, I am doing my best to relish in it, keep smiling and not shed a tear. Anika has been the most cuddly, sweet baby and to have each of the kids grow up so quickly makes me a bit sad.
(Random observation in the above picture: notice how my skin tone is so light compared to Anika? She is tan next to her pale mother. She is my girl…but undoubtedly looks like her daddy!)

We won’t hold any of them back though. Anika is quick to follow her brother and sister now. She is going to be her own independent self and we’ll celebrate this week as Anika turns one.

One year old. She is proud to show you.