Good morning, 2009!

2008 was a momentous year for us, for obvious reasons. As the years begin to scroll by, 2008 will always be remembered as the year Madeline joined us. Just like my ears perk up whenever I hear 1977, Madeline will forever be an '08 baby.

It's hard to say what we'll be looking toward in the new year. Madeline has already hit most of the major physical milestones in her first 10 months. Of course we'll have solo walking, and perhaps some words, but overall I've gotten the impression that the second year is somewhat of a plateau when it comes to gross physical development. Or, at least it's less eventful than the first year, when babies make the radical transformation from helpless newborns to walking, crawling, babbling bundles of curious energy.

Most of her development will be in her intellect and her personality as she learns more about herself as an independent entity. That likely means more meaningful interaction, from playtime and learning to fussiness and tantrums. Nevertheless, I am looking forward to plenty of out-of-the-house activities this year as her mobility and intellect mature. Maybe our first family camping trip? Parks? Arts and crafts?

Other tidbits:

In 2008 Madeline gained 14 pounds and 1 ounce, grew 8.25 inches and sprouted 6 baby teeth. She was also the subject of 2,420 pictures and 180 blog entries.