HOLY COW... MADDIE IS ONE!

Wow.. where on earth has this past year gone?! I know they say time seems to go faster as you get older, but then when you have kids.. it’s a whole new ball game! I feel like I’ve blinked and this past year has just disappeared, but at the same time, I feel like thanks to my daughter, I have had the most special and rollercoaster year ever! Jam packed with endless memories and discoveries…
 
On 24thJune, Maddie turn ONE… holy shit! (I popped a video up on my YouTube channel with a look back over the past year, safe to say I cried the whole time making it haha!)
 
These past few weeks, it has definitely dawned upon me how baby Maddie is long gone… and now standing before me I now have a sassy, independent, smart, walking, babbling, cheeky, curious, adventurous, TODDLER! I’m not sure if there is a set age where they are “officially” classed as a toddler and not a baby anymore… I guess it differs from baby to baby depending on their development?! But for me, (as much as it pains me to say it,) it’s obvious that Maddie is not a baby anymore!
 
It’s a funny one, because as much as I miss those teeny tiny newborn days, where you could pop baby down and know that’s where they’d stay, and not go crawling and walking off, climbing on everything and causing just general chaos!! I do absolutely LOVE seeing her little character grow and having more and more interaction with her. Knowing that she does actually understand me! It’s the most fulfilling feeling hearing her say “Ma-meee”  as she comes walking towards me, arms wide open! Nothing beats it! Makes me feel so warm and fuzzy inside!!
 
She’s now even starting to understand commands without me even demonstrating! We’ve got “Maddie, can you clap your hands?” and she just does it! And also “Maddie, where are your toes?” and she’ll just point to them, no prompt needed!! It’s moments like that, I just sit back and go wow, you’re getting smart, you are definitely NOT a baby anymore?!
 
I would LOVE to freeze Maddie at this age. One years old is just perfection to me! The best balance of independence but knowing they still need you. Interaction and character, without the tantrums just yet (although I think we’re not too far away from those!), walking but not being able to run away from you yet, talking but not being able to answer you back.. yet! And she’s still small enough to curl up in my arms and cuddle into Mummy!
 
Yes, One has to be my favourite age so far!
 
Now I’m going to whizz off and enjoying it while it lasts, as I think if I blink again I’ll be writing about the “Terrible Twos” before I know it!!
 
I’d love to know what your favourite stage is of your little one growing up is? Did you prefer newborn or one year old? Or is your favourite way further ahead at 5 years old?! Feel free to leave your comments below or message me via the social page.
 
Lots of Love Bethany x