Washington Square Park, with the small 'pea'

 

Patrick, Fiona and I were in the village last weekend doing some shopping and we decided to stop in Washington Square Park so Fiona could have some time to run around in between stores.  You don't see any of the major park landmarks in the pictures in this post because we spent most of our time with Fiona in the playground.

One of the many things I love love love about NYC playgrounds is that they all most all have water features that are turned on for hot summer days.  Fiona is fascinated by all the water features in New York City playgrounds and this one was no exception.  It is such a joy to see her play in them.

There were a ton of musicians playing in the park that afternoon, and Fiona danced right along to their music.  There is always so much going on in Washington Square Park but this day seemed exceptional and it was all so right.  I'm trying to really remember this visit to the park, since it could be one of my last before we move from NYC (if we move...)!

Guess who turned 1 this month??

Fiona, that's who!  And boy have we celebrated.  We had a family party on her actual birthday, and then a picnic in the park with friends (hers and ours) the following weekend.  One year!  I really can't believe how far she has come over the last year.  She is now walking across the living room (she is still not quite confident to walk around on her own too much outside our home yet, which is actually ok with Mom for now).   Saying a few words, using baby sign, and eating practically everything we eat.  A year ago, while in the throes of new parenthood, it would have been hard to imagine any of those things would happen so soon!

Fiona has learned a lot about celebrating birthdays over the last month too.  Fiona has learned that cupcakes are awesome, even though her first encounter with one made her cry...(she burst out in tears after we lit the candle on top of her cupcake and sang her happy birthday!).

That turning 1 means lots of presents and singing cards (Fiona received 2 Winnie-the-Pooh singing birthday cards, one from Patrick's parents, and one from my grandparents, and they were by far the most favorite things she received for her birthday and would play them all day long if we let her).

That balloons are fun, but birthday picnics in Central Park are even more fun!  Fiona partied like a little rockstar in the park all afternoon, and even skipped her nap. 

We love you Fiona!!! Happy birthday to our little sweet pea!