Dear Maren,

This was one of the first pictures I took of you ... and I don't believe the pictures I have taken since come close to telling the story of what an amazing year it has been. While I frequently wish I could stop time, I can't wait to see what fun we will have in the coming year.

Happy Birthday!

Love,
Mom

Mommy ... I'm not sure why you set it on fire, but no worries ... I'll eat this thing you are calling a birthday cupcake, and in fact, I'll eat the entire thing!

I didn't put a bra on until 2:00 p.m. My sweatshirt has yogurt all over it. My fingernails look like they've been chewed on by a wild animal. I can't remember if I brushed my teeth today. I just picked at my face for 10 minutes because I'm stressed about work. My nose is running and I'm thinking about wiping it on my yogurt-decorated sweatshirt.

I'm one hot momma.

Survived the first non-family, teenage babysitter.

Because one tub photo isn't enough!

Having fun in the tub!

The end ... thought I would be ecstatic when this day came, but I'm feeling like a bit of a failure instead.

See those bananas in the grocery cart? I ended up having to hide them because twice I discovered Maren twisted around into some ridiculous position ... chewing on a banana.