One year! Can we even call Zoe a baby anymore – or has she officially entered toddler-dom? Whatever you call her, she’s at a super fun, super playful age.

“Active” is another good word for Zoe, who is constantly zipping around and exploring things. Like other kids her age, she loves pulling things out of their homes – books from shelves, clothes from drawers, etc. – and she is often attracted to things she really shouldn’t be. (She’s fascinated with the toilet and toilet paper, for example, and she loves pulling things out of wastepaper baskets.) We’re constantly picking up after her, but it’s nice to see her take an interest to the world around her.

Zoe doesn’t walk unassisted yet, but she loves to cruise (walking while holding to furniture) – and she can stand up without falling for long stretches of time now. (Her balance has definitely improved.) When she’s sitting on the floor, a favorite thing to do is twirl around in circles – which is also something new.

Zoe’s still a big talker; when she’s not saying “mama” or “dada,” she’s talking in her baby (er, toddler?) language or shouting out things like “ee-yo” or “ee-ya.” (Those are new favorites.) She also continues to imitate people, and not just with words but with facial expressions or actions. Q often “clicks” his tongue at her, and she has started to click right back; she also tries to imitate my “fishie” faces.

Zoe has maintained her sunny temperament; unless she’s tired or hungry, she’s smiling or laughing. She still loves peek-a-boo, jumping up and down (which we call “popcorn”), getting tickled, and turning book pages. (She spends long stretchs of times sitting in the corner of her room, gathering books from her book basket, and then “reading” the books – one by one.) When she sees something she likes, such as favorite toy, she makes an “o” face and sucks in her breath in excitement.

Now that Zoe’s a bit older, I’ve noticed she’s also more cuddly. Her preference is still to be on the move (instead of in someone’s arms), but she does often crawl over to me or Q and demand a hug. She also recently started giving kisses; if you ask for a “kissie” and present her with your cheek, you’ll likely receive a big, open-mouth kiss. I’m her mom and naturally biased, but I think it’s one of the cutest things ever!

As sentimental (read: sad) as I could get about Zoe’s birthday, I’m heartened by the fact that we have tons to look forward to. (I often remind myself that Q and I have enjoyed each stage better than the one before.) It’s a great privilege to watch someone grow up before your eyes, and I’m terribly grateful to Zoe for all the joy she has brought our families.

Happy Birthday, Zoe!

-M