Happy Birthday, Anna!

Happy First Birthday, Baby Girl!

Tonight I might as well have been in labor as I sorted through the last year of pictures of Anna to find a smattering for my blog. I finally whittled it down to...um....59 (and counting...) pictures, and, well, that still seemed like too much...even for a babe as cute as this one!

I can't believe it's already been a year, but at the same time, I feel like Anna has been part of our family forever! She is such a sweetheart. She truly loves her family! She is a snuggler, choosing Cookie as her favorite snuggle buddy! She looks up to her big sister and copies her every move. Her eyes light up when she sees Daddy or hears his voice, but despite everything else, she's still a Mommy's girl to the core! She is getting better about being left with babysitters. She sometimes sleeps through the night, but she never gets midnight snacks anymore! She is a laid back little trooper no matter where we go, unless, of course, you are trying to change her diaper. Then she squiggles and squirms all over the place.





































Anna was up early, not wanting to miss a single moment of her big day! We partied this morning before Adele woke up, and headed over to Conner Prairie after her morning nap. She was quite the trooper at Conner Prairie, and had a blast petting cows, goats and sheep. She took her first completely independent step while chasing after a goat today, and then we startled her by clapping and shouting, so she reverted to crawling. She "picked" some carrots in the play area and played with the doll house. Another nap, the arrival of Memaw (and Puccini's) and it was cake time!

Anna LOVED her cake!













Needless to say, after the cake, it was bath time. Then she opened a few presents. Adele had wrapped up some "old" toys and clothes to give to Anna, who was none-the-wiser about her gifts being hand-me-downs (plus, I think this may help Adele out as Anna continues to transition into Adele's old clothes...we're getting to the point where Adele remembers her old outfits and doesn't want to part with them!) Anna had a blast opening her presents. She carried one doll around with such a look of pride on her face. (I'd say that I'll post one of Memaw's pictures, but I think you're on to me and won't believe that it'll ever happen!) She also tried to take an independent step again. She stayed up way past her bedtime, but was the sweetest little angel when I did put her down to sleep. She talked quietly to herself for a few minutes in her crib and has been sleeping peacefully for a while (hours, even at this point, this blog has taken so long to write!)


Dear Anna,

While you were growing in my tummy, I had a favorite song (I know, I have a lot of favorite songs...this one actually became the ring tone on my phone!) I didn't know you yet, but I knew that this message was something that I wanted you to hear. A full year full of blood, sweat, tears and lots of smiles later, I still want to pass on the same message:


Sidewalk Prophets
The Words I Would Say:

Three in the morning,
And I'm still awake,
So I picked up a pen and a page,
And I started writing,
Just what I'd say,
If we were face to face,
I'd tell you just what you mean to me,
I'd tell you these simple truths,

Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,

Last time we spoke,
You said you were hurting,
And I felt your pain in my heart,
I want to tell you,
That I keep on praying,
Love will find you where you are,
I know cause I've already been there,
So please hear these simple truths,

Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,

From one simple life to another,
I will say,
Come find peace in the Father,

Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
Thank God for each day,
His love will find a way,
These are the words I would say


I love you, baby girl!
Love,
Mommy