Cutie is One (cute baby, that is)

Exactly four years and six days after I became a mommy, Cutie entered the world. In her first year of life alone, she's lived in two different houses and been to four states. It would seem that her family likes to get around a lot. To look at her, you might know it. She's content anywhere. The only thing she might prefer, though, is her mommy's arms. I think it all goes back to her amazing birth.

Cutie loves to make us smile with her "squinty" face. She gives friendly wallops to siblings who are crying. She cackles at Bubby when he comes grinning into our room in the morning. Though, sometimes, when he gets a little too cuddly on Mommy, Cutie demands her fair share. She fusses at an overly attentive Precious, but admires her big sister's many abilities. Cutie also has a thing for music. She rocks back and forth to it, hums to it, claps to it, and sings her own special songs with all of the above included.

Another special thing that Cutie does is to give kisses. They're more like tongue-taps on the roof of her mouth, but her intent is clear. She kisses Bubby's head, Precious' and Mommy's cheeks, and sometimes, even New Daddy's scratchy cheek. But, most of the time, when New Daddy asks for kisses, she pushes him away with a big grin. She knows he doesn't give up easily, though; his request is usually the start of a friendly battle of the wills, which Daddy usually wins with neck-gooches.

Cutie has been our easiest child to train, so far. She's putting items back that she pulls out, shuts the cabinet doors back when she opens them, and usually controls her curiosity when she hears "no." It's a beautiful thing to watch a well-trained child explore the world. And, would I ruin her birthday post by mentioning what a relief it was to have a potty-trained infant during the stomach virus that went around recently?

I guess that's enough bragging for one blog post. It's been a wonderful first year, and we love our little Cutie!