MONTHLY PORTRAIT: twelve months

Josephine's Monthly Portrait. Taken in her nursery on the 18th of every month.

One year old today. I can hardly believe it. This time last year, we were snuggling up in bed together on the first day of this amazing journey. It was a cold night and your tiny cries were too hard to resist, so we bought you into our bed and fell asleep as happy as can be. Thinking about that time, it seems almost dreamlike. When I put you to bed this evening I whispered in your ear, telling you about that night and how much joy you have bought to our lives since you arrived; how you've made the last year the best ever and how much we completely adore you.

Over the last month Josephine has changed beyond belief. Everyday she can say something new and surprises us with her developmental changes and intelligence. She now happily proclaims "hello" whenever she walks into a room, and over the last couple of days has started saying "bye" too when leaving. She can do even more impressive animal noises (including snorting like a pig and cock-a-doodle-do-ing!) She mimics almost everything you do and say, sometimes perfectly and sometimes in her own special way. This is most definitely my favourite age so far. I think I must pick her up, squeeze her and proclaim "you're so cute!" at least 50 times a day.

Josephine. You make us laugh ALL the time. You are the sweetest creature and you have made the world a better place just by being here. We love you more than you could know and we can't wait to see all the amazing things you have planned for the next 12 months.

Happy birthday Teeny, love Mama and Papa xxx

We've had the loveliest day in the snow today, just us three, and tomorrow we have a little party planned. I'll be sure to post some pictures of all the festivities over the coming days :)