1st Birthday Party

We had a blast Saturday for Hannah's first birthday party. I wasn't sure how she would do but she did great. She was a little shy at first, but got use to all the people real quick and was such a ham. Brandon and I were so proud. She got so many wonderful gifts. We appreciate everything and everyone who came to celebrate with us. Here are some pics from the big day.

WARNING: Picture Overload

Happy Birthday Baby!!!

It's finally here. Hannah is 1 year old today. My heart is full of emotion. Mostly just pride. I'm proud of her not because of anything she's accomplished yet in her short life, but just because she's my daughter. She's so precious to me. She makes my heart happy. And though at times raising a new baby has been a challenge, I truly wouldn't change a thing. We talked about being content with our life right now. God has blessed us in abundance over the last year and we praise His name and give Him all the glory.

Hannah,

The day you were born started out as a day of nervous excitement. Everything was going fine for awhile and then it turned bad. The pain I experienced both physically and emotionally will be with me for the rest of my life. You took your time coming out and then labor stopped. That's when we had to go into surgery and get you out. You didn't want to come out, but Mama couldn't wait to meet you. You are still like that. You are very cautious and you do things on your own time. You can't be rushed.


You were born at 11:33 pm on 03.23.11 weighing 7lbs 9oz and 18 1/2" long



You came out kicking and screaming. You didn't like all those bright lights. I don't remember anything but waking up the next morning to my beautiful sweet precious baby girl. You were so beautiful even for a newborn and I was so in love and in awe of you from the very beginning.



I'm still in awe of you. Here are some things I remember most about your first year:

You cried a lot in the beginning and we didn't sleep much but we got through it.




I had so much fun playing dress up with all your cute clothes from my showers. Sometimes it was more successful than others.


I went back to work when you were just 8 weeks old. I can't believe how tiny you were.


You were very little last summer and we stayed inside a lot.


You were always a good eater and eventually became a good sleeper.


You loved your Daddy immediately and he was the first to make you laugh. He can't get enough of you. I hope you will always be close, even through those rough teenage years.




Your third "parent" is your Grammy. She has been there for you from the start. She has loved you and taken care of you when I couldn't. She has been my rock. Thank you mom for helping me raise my baby. I couldn't imagine doing it without you.



You took your first big road trip to Oklahoma City and then to Taos when you were around 6 months old.



You dressed up as a chicken for Halloween. So cute!!!


We celebrated your first Thanksgiving & Christmas here in Lubbock with family and they were so special yet exhausting. You also met your new baby cousin Harlan for the fist time. You are still trying to figure him out.



You got sick with RSV and that was terrible, but you've been well since.

You crawled right at 9 months and started pulling up to a stand at 11 months. I imagine you will start walking within the next 2 months.



You are my angel Hannah. The love I have for you is a love I never knew I needed. You have challenged me in many ways. I have learned so much about myself this past year and the strength that I do have. You bring hope to my life. You bring promise and better days. I can't wait to see what year TWO brings.

I love you,

Mama

March 22nd, The Day Between "Big Days"

Today is March 22nd. I'm calling it the day between the "big days" because it's the day that will be forever stuck between our wedding anniversary and Hannah's birthday.

Yesterday Brandon and I celebrated 3 years of marriage. I think it was a wonderful day to reflect on our relationship and how far we've come. I can honestly say I'm more in love with him now than I ever have been. We really have become one person and I truly feel so blessed every day to call him my husband.





Tomorrow is Hannah's 1st birthday. I'm in absolute awe of her. She is my precious gift from God and we're beyond excited to celebrate her first birthday with our close family and friends. I will post tomorrow about her, but I'll leave you with the design for her party invitation.