What can happen in 1 year

My Birthday Girl

Hannah,
I can't believe it's been a year. I know you won't remember all that has happened, but you have brought so much joy to our home since your arrival. You are such a happy girl. Your smile brightens up your whole face....we love to make you smile. But Schaeffer is your favorite, he's pretty much the only one who can make you belly laugh.

Right now, you are sooo close to walking. You love to push and steer the walker, but are even happier when we walk you around the house. You are fairly content entertaining yourself. Actually, your face lights up when I put you in front of a mirror. I wish I knew what kind of conversation you were having with yourself. Maybe it's some sort of pep talk. But I sure wish I got as excited when I did the same thing. There's probably a lesson in that somewhere.

Your independence pokes through every now and then. Sippy cups are a new discovery and you REFUSE to let us help you learn how to use it. I mean, what kind of parents are we to not allow you to be the first child in history to find a way to drink your juice from the bottom of the cup? I mean, your dad and I just might have the next DaVinci or Einstein on our hands! Let her work, people!

There's so much to say and for which to be thankful. I'm not as eloquent (look it up, sweetie) as your daddy, but I've never loved as deeply and wholeheartedly until you entered our world. I hope I honor God in the way I care for you as you grow. I may fail you at times, but I want you to know that I am always for you and not against you. I will be here to listen, comfort, and share in all that you experience.

Happy Birthday, my baby. May God bless you with many more.
Mom

Remembering to be thankful

for a roof over our heads
for sitcoms....especially Seinfeld reruns
for nail clippers in various sizes: baby, finger, toes
for a gas grill
for warm, steamy showers
for scented lotion
for baby wipes
for the Diaper Genie
for our beautiful patio and the hands that built it
for the Sunday morning newspaper
for Swiffer dusters and the Swiffer vac
for a warm house....well, warm enough, anyways
for celebrating my girl's first birthday
for chocolate cake and frosting
for a reliable car
for Internet at home
for blue jeans and sweatshirts
for the smell of bacon and fall candles filling the house
for hot chocolate with marshmallows melted on top
for comfy pajama pants
for thought-provoking books
for a loving, supportive family
for the colorful view of fall from our street
for Vickie, who rarely complains and does little things around the house, like dishes, bathrooms, filling soap containers,
supplying me with chocolate
for Isaac, who teaches me how to laugh at myself
for Hannah....her beautiful, telling eyes, the way she wrinkles her nose when she laughs, her independent spirit
for God's grace in my flawed life

a typical day w/ my medal

show off

Is it bad to want to wear my marathon medal around so people know I finished even though I make fun of people who do this? I mean, I only wore it from the finish line to the hotel. I need to get more use of it, right? Well, you'll see. Pictures will come, I promise.