one year.

Exactly one year ago on May 5th, 2011 at 2:22pm, Harper Grace Werner was born.

After going three days past my due date, she came when she was ready and she came fast - in less than three hours.

She weighed 7lb, 1oz and measured 20” in length.

Today she weighs about 23 pounds.

She walks, she talks, she climbs.

She expresses her wants and needs quite proficiently for a 1-year-old.

She is no longer my baby - she is my toddler.

Thus far, I would describe her as feisty, particular, independent, daring, observant, smart, and friendly.

She still has all that hair, although it has lightened up a bit. It is no longer that dark black/brown that it initially was when she was first born. It is now more of a medium-brown - very similar to my own hair color.

She has grown from this - to this -

Later today we will be celebrating her first birthday with friends and family. I will be sure to post pictures of the celebration later.

For now, I'll keep it short and sweet and simply say - "Happy birthday little girl. Your mommy loves you - forever and always."