My Bestie's baby girl is 1!

It's truly amazing how times flies. I think the older I get, the faster time goes. But you can really see the difference a year makes when you see how a child has changed in their first year of life!

Last Monday, my best friend Lesley's little girl Avery turned one. She came into this world a few weeks early weighing just over 5 pounds. Since I live in another state, I couldn't be there the day she was born, but I did meet her about 10 days later. What a tiny thing she was! And I loved her instantly.

I wouldn't have missed her first birthday party for the world. Lesley and her crafty Mom made all kinds of adorable owl-themed decorations. And Avery looked precious in a custom owl onesie with a matching tutu and headband. LOVE!

First birthdays are, of course, not for the kid but for the adults. I like to think of it as not only the celebration of a year of life for the baby, but celebrating the first year of parenthood for the parents. I'm not a parent yet, but I think that's just as big of a deal! And Lesley and Chris are awesome parents. They were made for this gig.

The best part of the weekend was that I got to spend time with my girls. We don't get a lot of time together, so I really cherish it when we do. And I couldn't get over how much Avery had changed since I last saw her this summer - she is so grown up! It's bittersweet (especially for her parents) that she's not really a baby anymore but turning into a smiling, laughing, fantastically fun toddler. What will she look like in another year? Only time will tell.

My girls!

Gettin' after that cake!

The difference a year makes! Aunt DeeDee loves you, Avery!

October Challenge: gettin' physical every day

Remember that Monthly Challenge thing I did earlier this year? Yeah, me neither. I kind of abandoned it this summer. What can I say - life got in the way and that was challenge enough.

Anyway, I am determined to finish this year strong and give myself a new challenge for October, November and December. Let's do this.

October's Challenge is.....
Do something physically active every day.

Maybe it's taking Ellie on a long walk.
Or my weekly kickball game with my work peeps.

Getting on the treadmill again and picking up that 5k training...

Or getting my fitness video on.

Whatever it is, it will be physical and it will feel good.