It’s official – we no longer have a baby! Sophia is a big girl at one year old now. ❤ We had a fun little party on her birthday: her cousins joined us at the local splash pad, then had a picnic with strawberry shortcake back at our house. Sophia had a blast, and I was glad we did something to celebrate this big milestone.
Of course, I also had to do one last monthly photoshoot. ❤ I hope you enjoy these pictures!
For her birthday picnic, I put a big cardboard box in the yard filled with balloons for the babies to play in. After the party (and Sophia’s nap), we went out to take some pictures with the balloons.
I’d stored this number one balloon in the basement since she was born – someone gave it to me along with a bunch of other baby stuff. I can’t believe I kept it and got to use it!
Sophia’s hair is getting so long and thick now!
Still an adorable smile, as always. But with more teeth! Her 9th and 10th are growing in on the bottom and she may be teething on the top gums too; it’s hard to tell.
The string of drool… Still so cute though.
We tried a party hat but she wasn’t a fan. These are about the best I got.
This picture cracks me up because she got that expression straight from her daddy! If you know Sully you’re probably laughing right now picturing what I mean.
Such a cutie. ❤
She has gotten even more mobile this month – standing up on her own for short periods and doing everything but walking. She can go pretty much wherever she puts her mind to.
She loves climbing stairs, but isn’t quite old enough to do it on her own yet, much to her disappointment. (And mine – she could have endless entertainment if it wasn’t so dangerous.)
I picked us some cherry tomatoes – one of her favorite foods. Thus the happy li’l grin on the right with juice dripping down her face. 😛
She learned to say “hi” in a perfectly enunciated little baby voice. It’s the cutest thing ever. Especially when she waves, too! She says hi to people, animals, baby dolls, and inanimate objects alike. 😛
The expression on the left is the offended face she makes when someone tells her “no no Sophia!” or takes something away from her. The one on the right is her “concentrating on chewing” face.
Another try with the balloon and party hat. I mean, it kind of worked!
I love this cute little shirt/dress outfit on her. Yay for $2 Walmart clearance!
She’s developing into quite the smart little cookie. She’s clearly fascinated with how things work, and has excellent fine motor skills. She loves playing with toys like stacking rings, or trying to figure out how to open a box or take something apart.
She continues to be extremely vocal and expressive, collecting more words each week it seems like. I think she knows over a dozen now. When in doubt, she just makes up a new one. 😛
I was surprised that I didn’t feel super emotional the day she turned one, actually. Since Sophia is my first kid and currently an only child, plus I work from home, I’ve spent quite a lot of time with her over these past twelve months. Despite how much has happened, I feel like I was able to take the pictures and make the memories and soak it all in. So if you ask me “did the year fly by?” I’d say, “Actually no! It feels just about right.”
To celebrate her last baby photoshoot, here’s a collection of a favorite from each month so far. Such a change, and yet she’s always been our Sophia. The dark eyes and expressive eyebrows have been a constant, as you can see.
Will I do monthly photoshoots for all of my kids? Mm, I doubt it. Do I regret doing it for her? Absolutely not. I’m so glad I have these pictures to remember every stage of this momentous year.
Thanks so much for reading along for one year of Sophia, my friends, and have a lovely day!
***Allison***
P. S. Photos taken with my Nikon D7200 and a 35mm lens. Edited with Lightroom.
Allison Marie 
Belated birthday wishes to a very cute one!
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The cute one says thank you. 🙂
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Beautifully done.
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Why thank you!
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Wonderful pictures! Sophia is so cute. And I love the yellow dress. Getting it on sale just makes it sweeter.
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So glad you liked the pictures! Hehe yes I feel the same about her dress!
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Oh my goodness, Sophia is getting so big!! 🥰 She is such a beautiful girl 🤗 She does look like Sully a lot, but I see a lot of you in her, too 😉 She has two huge blessings in the two of you!
Thank you for sharing, Allison! I love each and every one of your posts. 💛☺️
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I KNOW, she’s practically a toddler! Aww I’m always happy when someone thinks she looks like me (though honestly I love that she looks a lot like Sully too ❤ ).
I'm so glad you've come along for the ride, Joanna! It's fun putting out these posts knowing readers enjoy them. ❤
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Happy 1sBirthday Sophia Joy. Happiness through out your birthday year.
God Bless
Marilyn and Marion
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Thank you both!
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It’s so crazy to think about all the time that has passed, but it has been such a treat to watch your beautiful daughter grow, from just a small little human inside of you to reaching her first birthday!
Thank you for sharing your pockets of joy with us!❤️
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I’m so glad to be able to share the journey with sweet readers like you! Thanks for the kind words and, as always, for reading. 🙂
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Aww, happy belated birthday to Sophia Joy!!!! Such a pretty girl!
I love her expressions- her offended face cracks me up, haha!
You captured such precious memories of your little girl, Allison. It’s fascinating seeing the monthly pictures of how she’s grown!
Many blessings to all of you!!!
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A beautiful little friend indeed.
Hahaha I wish you could see a video of her offended face in action – cracks me up every time.
Thanks for the comment! How are you and your family doing, friend?
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Hee hee, I can just imagine! 😉
Thank you for asking! Well, we’re hanging in there. My mom has plantar fasciitis and very swollen legs (probably due to our living situation). Thankfully her fascitis is improving, but still painful for her to walk.
I think we could handle homelessness better if it weren’t for the city we’re living in. I can’t stand it here. We have to stay though as we’re my siblings’ only transportation to their jobs. I give God the glory that we can still smile, but it’s not easy. I do miss having a home, but I do try to thank God for the blessings He’s given. 🙂 But would appreciate your prayers for my mom and that we would just cling to the Lord.
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Thank you for the update! I’ve been wondering about you guys. Oh goodness that sounds extremely challenging. I’m glad your siblings have jobs currently but I can only imagine how difficult it must make your living situation! I will definitely be praying for healing for your mom and strength and joy for you. ❤
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Congratulations! I laughed about your comment about monthly photoshoots for the poor children who come next. I am glad you admit that it’s unlikely but on behalf of second, third, etc. borns everywhere, can you at least take a couple?
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HAHA oh I definitely plan to take pictures for my other kids as well – I don’t want them to be too left out, and I genuinely love taking pictures of my babies! I just doubt they’ll be so elaborate. 😛
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Awe this is so precious and she is adorable! Happy belated birthday 🎉
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Aww thank you! 🙂
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