Happy Birthday Little One

Annabelle is so blessed to have such loving friends and family. Having all of her playgroup friends, Mimi and Gramps, Aunt Steph and Uncle Bryan and her cousins there to celebrate made her party so fantastic. Annabelle really had a good time at her party- she loved entertaining her company and eating her strawberry cake. So much fun!

I'm ONE, Let's Party!

Pinwheels and polka dots were the theme to Annabelle's first birthday party. It was fun and festive- I really enjoyed putting the decorations together. There were a lot of pinwheels made out of pink and red polka dot paper and (of course) balloons galore! I spent a lot of time on the decorations - starting way back in May but all the long hours were worth it because it was such a cute party. I hope when A looks back at the pictures she sees how much love I put into this party!

A Letter To Annabelle

7/7/12

Dear sweet Annabelle-

Happy 1st birthday! It seems like just yesterday that we brought you home from the hospital. Our little bundle of joy with rosy pink cheeks, beautiful blue eyes and long eyelashes. It has been incredible to watch you grow- you have changed so much. Physically you have grown from a small helpless little one to an independent walking little girl.... but it is so much more than that. 

You have always had an easy going and pleasant nature. You never cried very much, even in the beginning. You are very happy to share smiles and giggles with familiar friends and family. It takes you a while to warm up to new friends. That's ok- I completely understand that one! You know how to party. Several times throughout the year (Mimi's 50th birthday party and Uncle Phil's wedding) you were the life of the party! Staying up late to socialize and dance with all the guests. And while I have always had anxiety over major milestones in your life -aka dropping naps and feeding schedules ect- you have never been bothered by the transition. You easily adjusted to all changes with no problems. I hope you keep these traits, it will serve you well later in life!

I love to watch you play. You very carefully analyze all your toys and even your playmates. I remember for the first couple playgroups you just sat on the floor watching your friends play trying to figure everything out. Now you are still cautious but you are more willing to jump in and play. You have also learned from your friends. Frequently you would pick up a skill that you learned from a playmate at playgroup. You learned "hands up" from Brayden and crawling from Harper and Grant. So cute. I hope you always have a really good group of friends that you can play with and learn from!

I have a million favorite memories from this year. All of them rattling around in my head. They are all little things like your first smile or singing to you in the middle of the night or watching Daddy feed you your bottle before bedtime. Each one is unique and makes me smile every time I think about them! Annabelle, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me and your Daddy. We love you so much. 

Happy birthday!

I will leave you with some words from one of our favorite books. We read it frequently before bedtime. I hope that you know that they are true.

I'll love you forever

I'll like you for always

As long as I'm living

My baby you will be

Love,

Mom

12 Months!

It seems like Annabelle grew up a lot in just one week. She said goodbye to all her bottles (yea sippy cups) and hello to whole milk. Yumm! Annabelle also took her first steps the Saturday before her birthday. It was just two steps in our living room but it was enough to make me tear up I was so proud! I didn't get the steps on video or on camera but I am pretty sure I will never forget them. Just one of those amazing memories that stays permanently in your mind.

Fortunately for all of us Annabelle was up for the changes. As a matter of fact, she embraced them! I can not emphasize enough how fabulous our child really is! So good with big transitions and flexible with routines when we need her to be. Just fabulous.... but I digress.

My baby isn't a baby anymore. She's becoming a toddler! I am not so sure where the time went. How did we get here? Stephen and I have a one year old! And, not just any one year old- we have Annabelle. She is the smartest, sweetest most wonderful thing that has ever come into our lives. I love our family and I can't wait to see what happens in her second year!

Annabelle's 12 month photo- she weighs 17.5 lbs

Annabelle's Walking!

I finally got her on video! Yea- she's walking!