Aug 12, 2013

One
























Well, it happened. Gwen's a toddling one-year-old now. I don't have anything to say that I haven't been saying all along. It is overwhelming to think about how much I love her and how much lots of people all over the place have loved her since before she was even born. So much love and I swear she can feel it. She is a confident one. I think one of my favorite things about being a parent so far is creating the world that Gwen knows. I didn't expect to think about this so much but it's on my mind a lot. I love knowing that I get to make a safe and fun and warm and happy and loving place for her to know about and live in. It's easy to create a nurturing, protected environment for her so far and not have her be exposed to negative things (except all the public transit, sorry about that Gwen). It's just pretty easy to keep her happy so far and it feels good to be able to do that for her. (I'm not trying to take all the credit for her natural demeanor but you know what I mean.) And not only environment but with our relationship too. A whole year with not a single ill thought/feeling between us. (At least on my end, I shouldn't speak for her.) I know I will slowly lose control of this as she grows so I'm trying to enjoy it while it lasts. I think my excitement for the future might slowly be edging out my sadness for the time that's gone. Especially since parties are now involved.

On the car ride over to the park. Only 5/12 balloons made it to the start of the party. It was a windy day.

Most charming backdrop aroundYep, I'm a mom









Feeding other people is hilarious









She likes him

Souvenirs

She wore her hat for a second (as soon as no one was looking)We sang to her Lots of cake pictures




We ate these



While she kept working on the cake


Skyline, river, ferry, pigeon, bridge, carousel
I guess we know where she gets her surprised face. These girls are so good to her.So is Ender
All tuckered out and dreaming of the pizza she will awake to.


Happy Birthday Gwen!

10 comments:

Jane said...

Way mad that I haven't met Gwen yet. But happy she's one and as darling as ever. Of course you made that rad year bday gif!

Bean said...

Oh Gwen! I agree with your thoughts about everything. It's a lucky thing to be born into a world full of only love, and congrats to you and Regan for a great first year of parenting. Your hair looks cute.

momacita said...

First things first: I love your hair. And good for you and Regan for consciously thinking about your parenting and the environment she lives in--lovely thoughts.

momacita said...

P.S. And it is such a gift for a child to have many people loving him/her. Increases the chance that the child will grow up to believe the world is a good and happy place.

Annie said...

I just love this post! Gwen is so lucky to have you as a mommy! Happy Birthday to baby Gwen! :)

hanner said...

i love your hair! i also love gwen's "come hither" beckoning she has going on in the video. and the hat pic kills me. overall, good job, team johnson. you are perfectly suited for parenthood.

bec said...

One of the best things about being a mom is having these little buddies around to hang out with. She is a lucky girl. Can't wait to hang Gwen!

Lacey said...

What a sweet girl, I love her so much. You make being the mom of a one year old look easy, breezy, and beautiful!

shayna said...

I love that you have had no ill feelings towards her. That is so hopeful and comforting. Happiest birthday to one of my favorite girls around (sorry I'm never around).

Lauren Swainston said...

That is a party I was truly sad to miss. Best party girl around. The pinegars love that big/little one year old.