Piper Isabelle, 1 Year Old

Today came so quickly, I can't even believe it. How is it possible our little girl is a year old? One year and one week ago, a friend (Michaela) was also pregnant. Our friend, Jodi, offered to host a blessingway for us. It was an afternoon filled with love and support. Not a typical baby shower, the gathering is meant to give support to the mom-to-be through labor and delivery. In the picture below, not only can you see the amazing women that came, on the table are two trays, one for Michaela and one for myself. We asked each woman to bring a candle that we could light during labor, or anytime we needed support. We also sat in a circle, and wrapped string around our wrists, entwinging everyone together. Then, we cut the string and each wore it as a bracelet, to be cut off when we had our babies. We also asked eveyone to bring a bead, which we turned into a bracelet. The intent was to be able to hold or wear it during labor and know that these beautiful women were thinking about us, sending us their strength. What an amazing feeling--to know we were so loved, supported, and thought of! Jodi, Michaela, and I One week later (and 10 days earlier than expected!), I was in labor. Eddy's dad came over to pick Isaac up. This is our last picture as a family of three! Fast-forward another 4 hours, and Piper was born! This was shortly after Piper was born. I like this picture (for obvious reasons!), but also because of the clock in the background. Piper was born at 1:12pm, so this was her at almost one hour old! Our beautiful little girl The excitement we felt was beyond words Here we are, with my bracelet of beads: Our beautiful kids Now, a year later, I cannot believe what an amazing little girl we have. Today, at one year old, she has a very sunny disposition and smiles easily. Alligator tears also come easily, but go away quickly. At this point, she is a mama's girl. Her big brother can get her to laugh like no other. She loves to take objects (like laundry) in and out of containers (like the laundry basket!). She babbles all the time, although nothing coherent yet. And, despite knawing on anything she can get her mouth on, she has no teeth! She has a bunch of hair--at last measurement the longest part was three inches! Here's the cake I made (with my mom's help!) And judging by this, she likes cake! We celebrated with my side of the family yesterday. Today we had her one year pictures taken, then went out to lunch. This was after her noon bottle, completely cashed out. We are members of PBS Kids Club, and they say happy birthday to kids on their day.
Eddy leaves momentarily to recruit. But the celebration will continue tonight with friends when we have them over for DQ cake! Next weekend we'll celebrate with Eddy's side of the family. We love to celebrate birthdays in this house!

Piper Isabelle, you are a joy to have in our lives. I am so blessed to be your mom.