The last year has been marked by numerous "last firsts"- last first laugh, last first crawl, last first Christmas- but this is the hardest of them all. Even after all of the begging, pleading, and stern discussions, Sophie directly disobeyed my orders and flew past her infancy into an official toddler today. This is unacceptable behavior, and I won't tolerate it. It was only a year ago today that she came into my life with her false projection of a calm and peacefullness that was much needed in this house.
The labor was a breeze- induction beginning at 5 am, labor progressing quickly and painlessly (thanks to an epidural), and only 3 pushes total. She slept great for the first few weeks, so well, in fact, that I remember asking the doctor on a few occassions if there was something wrong with her, because I wasn't accustomed to such a peaceful child.
A few short months later, she began to be fascinated by her siblings and then started to emulate their behavior. Cut to the present, and she's one of the gang. They adore her, and she them. I watch them together, and my heart melts. Then I realize that one day, they will co-conspire to take over the household once they realize they outnumber us. Soon after, they won't have any need for us at all. I'm terrified of this day, which is one reason I try with all my might to slow time down. But despite my best efforts, time marches on, and the little baby I held in my arms for the first time a year ago celebrated her birthday today.
