From Fetus to Fantastic...One Year Down!!!

Sydney certainly decided that she could have her cake...and eat it too. She experienced a great first birthday...one that she'll remember for years to come (partly from the assistance of high resolution 10-megabyte pictures and high-definition video). She loved the gifts, loved the company, and embraced the conversations. She was also glad to taste the sugary delights of her birthday cake. Although she managed to maul the poor cake beyond recognition (before picture shown below), she was able to manage getting a decent amount of frosting (and hints of cake) into her mouth.

The conclusion of her first year on the outside has been an adventurous one for her, and for her parents. The time has been extremely rewarding, and no regrets can be found.

Her growth has also meant another change in her life...transition from the infant room to the toddler room at daycare. While this demonstrates positive progress in most respects, her mom was clearly not equipped to handle this information. Once the shock wore off, she began to accept that her little girl was getting bigger. In light of this change, Sydney would very much like to thank teachers Danielle, Sarah, and Morgan for watching her back while in the infant room. Because you had her back, she did not get shanked or shiv'd by unsuspecting suspects. She did thoroughly enjoy her time with you, and she plans to provide waves and big smiles everyday as she passes and visits.

What does the second year hold for Sydney? We can only guess. As her walking skills increase exponentially on a daily basis, we can assume that her progress on the talking front will begin to take off in the near future.

Tip #22: Children & Hotels
Many hotels offer roll-away beds. When travelling with a child, request several roll-away beds. You can use the mattress to create an enclosed area that will keep the sound of your screaming child to a minimum, much to the appreciation of other hotel guests.