Welcome back to the “New Mommy Chronicles”! As your little one grows through their first year, each day brings new milestones and magical moments that are worth capturing. Today, I’m sharing some key milestones in your baby’s development during their first year and how you can preserve these precious memories.

Newborn Bliss: 0-1 Month

The first month is all about settling into your new life with your baby. From the first sleepy smiles to the tiny grips on your finger, these are the moments to treasure. Soak up those newborn cuddles! 

The First Smile: 1-3 Months

Around this age, your baby will reward you with their first real smiles. This isn’t just a milestone—it’s a reward for all the hard nights and an unforgettable moment that reassures you of the growing bond between you and your baby. It is such a treat!

Discovering Hands & Feet: 3-6 Months

Your baby will start discovering their hands and feet, a delightful phase that brings lots of exploration. Watching them marvel at their own limbs is not just adorable but marks an important step in their cognitive development. My husband and I would crack up watching our son stare at his hands in wonderment. 

Sitting Up and Solids: 6-9 Months

As your baby grows stronger, they will start sitting up on their own. This period also often marks the introduction of solid foods—a messy, fun, and exciting time for both of you! We had such a blast introducing our son to new and adventurous foods every day. Capturing those messy moments made this period extra sweet. 

First Words and Steps: 9-12 Months

Towards the end of their first year, many babies start to babble, forming sounds that might become their first words. Some may even take their first tentative steps. These milestones are significant and incredibly joyous. Liam started officially walking the day after his first birthday. His first word was not mama or dada but actually “yummy,” which was surprising to us at first until I realized that I said it in pretty much every video I took of him.

Celebrating One Year: The First Birthday

Reaching the first birthday is a huge milestone for both the parents and baby. It’s a celebration of all the growth, challenges, and successes of the past year. I will do a separate post on Liam’s first birthday. It was such a special moment, and I loved the theme we chose for his party.