I've been thinking all day today about what should be said in this post, and now on the eve of Marin Pie's first birthday I still haven't completely organized my thoughts. (Cue creative title.) I want to somehow convey the marvel that is my daughter, truly the happiest baby I've ever known, right along with the profound changes that have come to our lives with her presence. This baby girl, and the doors she has opened, continually humble me as her mother and as a human being. She is sweet, and so loving, and smart as can be. I always love being her mother (even in the middle of the night, still) and without making the moments pass too quickly, cannot wait to see what the future holds for she and I together.
At one year old, Marin has been taking steps for a bit more than a month now, and has a deep-rooted interest in climbing. (Gahhh.) She has a vocabulary of about seventeen words and makes the sounds for puppy, kitty, lion and cow. She loves dogs, the delectable contents our cardboard recycling can, and babies of all ages. Her favorite toys include her stuffed Winnie the Pooh, her play kitchen with the million opening and closing doors, and any lego contraband she can get her chubby little hands on. She loves her Elmo board books, as well as the Touch and Feel animal series, and the time of her life is had while chasing people. She is happiest singing and dancing with me around the kitchen, and crawling all over Jackson on the living room floor. She eats a killer variety of the healthiest foods I could possibly ask for, and is particularly crazy about cheese, broccoli and pear slices. She's a great two-a-day napper, and is happy as a clam to be carted all over the midwest in her car seat, wide variety of strollers (heh) and baby bjorn.
About six months ago, Marin had surgery to remove the top half of her right kidney, due to a problem she was born with. It was amazing to see what a trooper she was, and how quickly she came through the surgery and recovery. We were so relieved after all was said and done. And now, just last week at a regular follow-up visit we learned that there is swelling on her left kidney as well, and though we're not exactly sure what that will mean for the future, we are crossing our fingers for the best outcome again. We will begin all of the testing again after Christmas, in hopes of giving her a last chance to outgrow whatever the problem may be.
I feel like I'm running through nuts and bolts here, listing information in a concise way that is not leaving quite enough room to say...God we love this baby. I never could have imagined everything falling into place so perfectly the way it has, or having a child- a daughter, so amazing as she is. I can hardly believe that just one year ago we were just officially meeting for the first time.
Of course, I may have been forced to stamp FAIL across her very blank baby book, but it wouldn't be a birthday around here without a video montage, eh?
Happy Birthday, sweet girl. Your mama loves you so.
That is a gorgeous baby. Like, if you picture a baby, that's what it looks like. Teeny and chubby all at once. And smiley.
Congratulations, and happy birthday!
Posted by: Abby Spice | 05 September 2009 at 12:15 AM
HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY MARIN!
Posted by: Annette | 05 September 2009 at 02:20 AM
Happy Birthday, Marin !!!!
Posted by: Debbie | 05 September 2009 at 08:10 AM
Happy, Happy birthday, Baby Girl!!! And you are the happiest baby in the world. In fact, if I've heard you cry three times in your life, that would be alot! You and your brothers are truly special gifts from God! Thank you for your happiness, beauty, and joy. You truly are "A Ray of Sunshine"! God bless you Sweetheart. Love, Gramma and PaPa XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXXOXOXOXO
Posted by: gramma and papa | 05 September 2009 at 08:24 AM
Happy Happy Birthday Marin!!!! You look so much older in that last picture. (Boo hoo) I cannot believe you are already ONE! Where has the time gone?
You are the prettiest, happiest, cutest thing! Love you lots!!!
Auntie Jenny
Posted by: Jenny | 05 September 2009 at 08:52 AM
Happy Birthday Sweetheart! You are one beautiful baby who has captured so many hearts with that great big smile of yours. Your first year has gone by very fast honey - I really don't know where all the time goes but then I see your last picture and I see how big you have gotton and realize time is flying by. Your smile lights up my life! I love you very much...
Auntie Mary
Posted by: Mar | 05 September 2009 at 09:17 AM
Happy Birthday, Marin!
Posted by: C @ Kid Things | 05 September 2009 at 09:42 AM
What an absolutely perfect song! She is a little Ray of Sunshine! Happy first birthday!
Posted by: Jen L. | 05 September 2009 at 10:31 AM
Happy happy birthday Marin! Can't believe it's a year already!
Posted by: BetteJo | 05 September 2009 at 02:38 PM
One already!? Happy Birthday, sweet baby Marin!!
Posted by: Michelle Z | 06 September 2009 at 09:59 AM
Happy Birthday Marin!
Phew did that year go by fast...
and I always love the birthday videos!
Posted by: crookedeyebrow | 06 September 2009 at 05:28 PM
Happy Birthday! I can't believe she's one!!
Posted by: Amy W | 06 September 2009 at 05:53 PM
Oh I am so behind!! Happy birthday sweet Marin!! I can't believe how fast that year went!! Wow.
Posted by: Cindy | 07 September 2009 at 07:39 AM
Happy 1st Birthday Marin! Wowsers that year went flying by us.
Posted by: Erica | 08 September 2009 at 04:51 PM
Kara and I watched the video last night and had a blast. She was especially excited to see the shots of Marin when she was itty-bitty.
And just so you know, the hospital pictures you included broke my heart. What a year it's been, but she always comes out on top and smiling.
Finally, the song choice? So perfect.
Happy birthday, Marin! So glad we could celebrate with you!
Posted by: Frema | 09 September 2009 at 08:59 AM