As most parents admit, it is no small feat to make it to a child’s first birthday. All the sleeplessness, worry, diaper changing, and tracking of meals amount to tireless expressions of love — and what love I saw brimming from this family, whose little bird recently turned the big ONE.

We were lucky that the local neighborhood had pretty scenery. In ten years time these photos will make for a sentimental look back at the familiar surroundings.

Look at these baby curls. So sweet! … I love this last one. Always back to momma. <3