Today, our baby turns one year old. People keep asking me, “Can you believe it’s been a whole year?” as if it just flew on by. Really, though, I have to say that it’s been one very long year. I’m kind of surprised that Little Miss Sunshine isn’t five years old by now.

It’s been a busy year and a hard year, but a good year and a rewarding year, too. Before the Little Miss was born, I remember I always used to feel like there was someone missing from our family. We’d sit down to dinner and I’d automatically think about where that fifth place setting would go. We’d be dancing together in the living room and we’d all seem to just know to leave a blank spot in the circle, to be filled some day by person unknown. Now she’s here, and the spot is filled, and I feel like our family is complete.

Little Miss Sunshine got her nickname because her name means “ray of sunshine,” but also because she really is like a ray of sunshine around here. She’s happy and friendly and she loves, loves, loves everyone in this family so much, it makes us all feel like we’re part of something special. She’s free and easy with the giggles; she squeals with delight when someone new enters the room. She’s an easy eater and a good sleeper and a joy to have around. Now if only she would get around to finally cutting that first tooth, we’d all be able to relax a little bit.

Now that she’s a year old, she’s thisclose to walking, she’s saying a few words, and she’s showing us who she is going to become. She loves to be dangled upside down by Sir Monkeypants. She loves to swing and slide and climb on things. She loves to be read to and loves books in general. She likes to do whatever the big kids are doing and to eat whatever the big kids are eating, and she won’t take no for an answer.

And she looks really adorable with a little topknot ponytail, sort of like Cindy Lou Who.

Little Miss Sunshine…I love you so much. You’ve made all the Turtleheads happier, better people. I can’t wait to spend another year watching you grow!