It's official: Carter's reign has begun!

Friday, 8:37pm: Carter will be one year old in 6 hours and 59 minutes!  Her reign as the Birthday Princess has begun!

It has been 364 days and some odd hours now that Carter has been a beautiful part of our lives.  We've changed countless stinky wedge diapers, cut 7 teeth (and getting our first molar!) in two months, learned who family members and close friends are and has gained so many amazing skills.  She can quickly crawl, she can shakily feed herself with a spoon, she has mastered the cup and is working on the straw, and she's feeling out the walking situation.  She went from just barely peeking at us through newborn, winced eyes to watching every move we make, knowing the sound of our voices, and missing us when we leave the room.  

Each and every one of the past 364 days has been magical.  Some have been tough, sleepless, scary and completely disgusting (like the first time she pooped in the tub!), but every second has been simply beautiful.  All the sleepless nights and the spit up puddles have been worth it.  We are the luckiest parents - and grandparents, aunts, godfathers, and friends - to have such an amazing little girl in our lives.

... now we have a toddler ... batten down the hatches, here she comes!

"IT's ALMOST MY 1st BIRTHDAY!  I AM THE BIRTHDAY PRINCESS!"
Our amazing little toddler