First Birthday Pictures | Download Free Images on Unsplash
It feels like just yesterday I was sharing with my husband that the pregnancy test was showing a positive sign. In reality, that was almost two years ago!
Since that joyous day, I’ve experienced pregnancy, birth, and an entire year with our little munchkin. They say the first year is the slowest—if that’s true, then I’ll be waking up tomorrow to find she’s turning 16, because this year flew by.
This year was undeniably full of ups and downs.
Our family had to evolve from just the two of us into a trio, and every day felt like one big trial and error. From the sleepless nights to her first magical smile, we learned (and are still learning) what it means to be parents. Mistakes were made—what parents don’t make them? They don’t come with a manual, after all! I’m excited to share this enchanted year with you, as well as the years to come.
A Year of Firsts
Having a baby completely transforms your life. Each year brings new adventures, but that first year is especially full of milestones.
From the first smile to the first Christmas and the first laugh, there are so many joyful “firsts.” But, along with the good comes the tougher moments too—like the first time being sick or that first shot at the doctor’s office. Life is full of ups and downs, and a baby’s first year is a reflection of this.
Since Addy is our first baby, we were especially mindful of savoring all these exciting moments.
In those early months, babies aren’t really smiling the way we hope—they’re usually reacting to something like passing gas while asleep! So when we realized Addy was genuinely smiling at us for the first time, not just as a reflex, we were overwhelmed with joy.
Her first laugh was another unforgettable moment.
One day, while I was playing with her, she let out a little “huuh” sound. Both Tyler and I stopped in our tracks, and she did it again. I started tearing up, not just because it was such a huge moment, but also from the exhaustion.
We spent the next thirty minutes doing everything we could to make her laugh again. It turns out, those laughs are rare in those early weeks, but each one felt like magic.
These beautiful firsts have left a lasting impact on our lives, and we can’t wait to see how Addy continues to grow and surprise us.
Celebrating Her Big Day
Our little girl is loved by so many, but for her first birthday, we decided to keep it small and simple. After all, she’s not even going to remember it!
Still, we wanted to make it special for the people who joined us and, of course, for the photos capturing those sweet moments.
We kept things minimal but meaningful, with all the essentials: balloons (because what’s a birthday without them?), a cake for everyone, a smash cake just for Addy, an adorable first birthday outfit, and, of course, presents—lots and lots of presents!
We had the gathering at my mom’s house, Gigi’s.
As everyone arrived with their gifts, one theme quickly became clear: pink! Every single present was wrapped in some shade of pink, and Addy was thrilled.
We all gathered in one room to watch her open each one, and the variety was amazing. From stuffed animals to busy boards, she was set with enough to entertain her for quite a while.
Once the presents were done, it was time for the main event: the smash cake!
You know those pictures of babies covered in cake and icing, diving into their first birthday cake with abandon? That was exactly our little one!
At first, Addy was a bit unsure, gently poking at the icing until we showed her how it’s done. After that, it was game over—icing everywhere! On her face, hands, legs, her adorable outfit, and even all over my husband! Watching her let loose and dive into that cake was pure joy.
As the party wrapped up, we packed everything into the car and said our goodbyes, mindful of nap time. In that quiet moment, it hit me—what an incredible year it had been, and how fast it had gone by.
Addy’s first year had officially come to a close, and what a beautiful year it was.
Looking Ahead
Our first year with Addy has flown by, but it’s only the beginning of the many new experiences we’ll share with her.
We’ve left behind those precious first smiles and laughs, and now we look forward to her first steps and so much more. Through sleepless nights and long days of tears, we learned to savor each moment.
My advice to other parents is to embrace it all, because they won’t always want to curl up in your arms to sleep, and those crying spells really do pass. Before you know it, they’ll be one, and you’ll be looking back on that first year just like we are now.
First Birthday Pictures | Download Free Images on Unsplash
About Morgan Lanter
Morgan is a devoted mom, passionate writer, and the creative force behind The Enchanted Family, where she shares heartfelt stories, practical tips, and honest reviews to inspire fellow moms. With a love for creating a cozy, enchanted space, she believes in the magic of everyday moments with family. When she’s not blogging, Morgan enjoys exploring new adventures with her daughter and cherishing the little things in life.