Happy First Birthday

Happy first birthday baby girl! I can't believe that 365 days ago, I was sitting at home waiting for my doctor's appointment. I had a feeling that you would come that day, but I wasn't prepared for the 3 and a half weeks you would stay in the NICU. When we brought you home, you were still so tiny. It doesn't even seem possible that you are this big already! You have brought so much joy to your Daddy and I. I love waking up to your beautiful smile every day. You are strong willed, independent, stubborn and so very loving! You know what you want and if you don't get it, you know how to stick out that bottom lip and throw your head down in the cutest temper tantrum I've ever seen! You have also become quite the picky eater! If you don't like something you make this gagging noise and stick out your tongue until it falls out of your mouth. You love your Mimi and your Grandma so much! Your pink Dolly is your favorite and she makes you so happy at bed time! There is no greater joy in my life than putting you to sleep at night, giving you a kiss and seeing you light up while you are hugging Dolly in my arms. I can't believe how easy a baby you were! You sleep like a champ and you only really cry when you're teething! Well, for the most part. After all, we are all entitled to our moments every now and then. And we can't forget how much you love our phones and the dog bed. I would never have dreamed that a dog bed would be your most favorite toy. I've even moved your nice comfy chair into the living room. While you enjoy the chair sometimes, you still prefer the dog bed. I love you more than I could ever tell you. I'm so excited that In just a few short days I get to spend all Summer with you. Before I know it you will be walking all over the place. I love you Baby Girl!

This past weekend we celebrated her first birthday with all our family and friends. She is truly one blessed little girl. She got some of the cutest clothes and swimsuits. I think her new car was a big hit! She even picked up the hammer to help Grandpa put it together. She wasn't in the best of moods so I didn't get very many pictures of her smiling. We've been waiting for three months to get more teeth and as luck would have it, THREE new teeth broke through this weekend. While she didn't smile that much, she sure did love her cake. She dug right in with both hands and even used her fork to eat it! I'm going to get her another one today so I can get some pictures of her smiling this afternoon!

Paw Paw, Mommy and Daddy

I love her crawfish outfit. We served pizza and crawfish at the party. I couldn't wait for her to put this on! It is super cute! This is where she stayed during the bashing of the pinata. She was happy in her car, so she just watched all her friends and cousins destroy her butterfly.

Two happy Grandmas

Two proud Grandpas

Aunt Missy and Uncle Mike

I love her new monogrammed swimsuit! I'm a sucker for anything monogrammed. Thanks Biegs!

Like I said, one stubborn girl! She insisted on helping Grandpa!

She is also quite the little bully! She loves Ryder so much, but she wants any toy that he has. She couldn't even share the steering wheel with him. Before too long, Ryder was on the ground crying and A was still as happy as could be as if nothing had ever happened!

A and some of her friends. This is pretty cute for four babies who couldn't care less about taking pictures.

One More Week

I can't believe that is all the time I have left of the "baby" stage! In the last week she has progressed by leaps and bounds! She is definitely more independent! She HAS to be the one to feed herself, and/or the dogs. I'm not sure who gets fed more, Belle or Alexis, but it is REAL food! She HATES having her diaper changed and her 3rd tooth has finally broken through, so those two together, make for one cranky baby! We aren't walking yet, but boy, is she trying! She spends a lot of her time standing and staring out of the window. When she isn't at the window she is pulling up on either you or the ottoman! But she doesn't want to be held either. So you really can't win with her right now. However, every so often she turns around, snuggles up against your neck and then sits up and smacks you on the lips with the sweetest kiss EVER!! Who knew I could love something so much! It has all gone so fast! I know, I've heard it before, and even said it a hundred times, but I feel like last month I was driving up to the hospital three times a day just to hold her in the NICU and now I'm preparing for her birthday. Tear....

Mommy from the outside looking in and A watching the gas mean fix the fire. She stood there the whole time, just as content as she could be, watching him fix the torch.
Hey Guy!! What are you doing?? I'm over here!!

Seconds before this, she had her face in the water!

Out of all the toys she has, the dog bed is her favorite! Don't worry, this is Maggies's bed and Maggie would rather lay on the big dogs bed! So, A has taken it over!

Not only are we feeding ourselves real food, we are getting pretty good at this sippy cup!

She hates getting in her seat in the car. I guess using it as a jungle jim make it a whole new world!

And we can feed ourselves!!

A Weekend of Celebrations

This weekend was very busy but so much fun. How can it not be when it is full of birthdays, babies and Mother’s Day celebrations! Let’s not forget a LOT of pool time! I took off on Friday to get ready for Aunt Kristi and Uncle Michael’s baby shower. Friday just also happened to be Daddy’s birthday! After errands and cleaning all day we spent the afternoon in the pool. We topped it off with pizza and ice-cream cake for Daddy. Then on Saturday evening, after two days of preparing, the party finally started! It was a huge success! Brinkley was spoiled rotten with tons of gifts and all the adults had a great time! Sunday we spent some more time in the pool for Mother’s Day! Alexis went under water for the first time and she loved it! I am so excited that I have a water baby on my hands! She puts her face and head in and she could care less! I’m so excited about this summer! Only 14.5 days left and I get to spend every day with my baby! I’m looking forward to all the fun in the sun!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

She LOVED it! I can't believe she keeps her eyes open underwater!

Cole and Brown Bear! There is just something so cute about a boy in his swim trunks hugging on his most favorite stuffed animal!

Alexis even sported Mommy's hat!

The girls never miss an opportunity for a photo op!

Mommy even got Uncle Michael a lil Raider burpie!! Unfortunately that isn't the only thing I bought! I can't stop shopping for this little girl! Whenever I find something cute I buy one for A and one for B! You know they are going to be the bestest of friends!

I can't wait to see Brinkley with her ruffle butts!

Aunt Kristi and Uncle Michael

All the hostesses

The only cute picture I can get of Ryder is when he shoves something in his mouth. As you can see below, he still isn't a fan of the pool!

And then there is Anna! Just like her mommy she loves to pose for the camera.

Aunt Tracy and Anna

These two love to take pictures together!

See he hates to be in the pool and A still loves him, even if he doesn't love her!!

See how much she loves swimming?? I swear to you, she is even kicking! I know I may have way too high expectations, but I would love for her to be swimming by the end of the Summer. And by Swimming, I mean floating and grabbing the side of the pool? I guess only time will tell.