One Trip Around the Sun

I can't believe she's a year. Just a year ago we were waiting anxiously in a hospital in Ocala, fingers crossed, hoping everyone and everything was okay. Then she popped out, then she smiled, then we fell in love, then we were exhausted.

So, we invited family and friends to our place to celebrate the day...

She woke up happy- but what's new?

We decided we'd have a crawfish boil, Louisiana-style, as that's what we did for her brother's first birthday. She also got a really cute crawfish boil play set- she loves it!

And, here's her cake:

Mommy and her cousin made all the mudbugs and veggies out of fondant, so this whole thing was edible. Inside the pot were four other cakes for folks to share. Addy's favorite was the banana cake with peanut butter frosting- I guess she's an Elvis fan!

We got tons of presents and attention from friends. Best gift of all was having Daddy's parents (Nana and Pop) make their first visit in our new house! So cool!

One new development- we finally got our doctor to pay attention to something we have been asking about for a while. I've had a flat spot on the back of my head for FOREVER, and my pediatrician kept telling us it would round out. Well, it didn't, so we finally got a referral to get one of these super-cool helmets! I wear it 23 hours a day (since January) and I only have 3 more weeks till I'm done. I think it's fun, and everyone comments on how cute I am!

Oh yeah, I also discovered that the Tupperware cabinet is the BEST! I "help mommy" put away dishes all the time. She still isn't sure how much help I actually am....

Transitioning to big people food is easy- especially if Brody helps.

See- I was helping to make chili one cold afternoon.

We have such a great time just hanging around the house and spending time together. We figured out that I love oldies, clapping my hands and dancing is the best. I've been a little picky about food lately, but we all figure it's just a phase.

The most fun we had recently was Easter Sunday. I got to put on my fanciest dress, and we went to church- which was fun because everyone kept waving to me and smiling at me. Plus, there were bells and flowers all over the place, so I could make some noise!

I've been watching Brody play a lot of baseball this spring, and I think I'll be a pretty good pitcher one of these days!

Oh, and I just figured out that my tongue will do this, so it happens all the time.

We spend a lot of time outside when the weather is nice, Daddy and I enjoyed an outdoor concert the other weekend.

and just yesterday, he gave me some peanut butter. You know it was in my hair, in my ears, in my belly button....

Other notes on how Addy is doing: all immunizations up to date. She is off formula and onto whole milk and most people food. She doesn't like pasta (can you believe it????!!!!) but still will go to town on a lamb chop bone! She's right smack in the center of the height/weight chart for her age. Hitting all her milestones on time. Her words: Ma, that, dad, B (for Brody) ba (for bottle and ball) hi (accompanied by a wave)

She will make kissing sounds that are very similar to lip smacking when she likes food, and she can blow kisses, clap her hands, sign language for "more" and "please"

She's so close to walking, it's driving us nuts, but for now, she's pleased to pull up and stand next to everything, open every single cabinet that will open for her and take it ALL out!