It's Christmas time!

I decided to get a head start on decorating for Christmas this year since we'll be out of town next week for Thanksgiving.

What a difference a year makes!!  Last year at this time Abby was only a week old and decorating wasn't even anywhere on our 'to-do' list.  Thanksgiving was a bit of a blur, though we do have pictures of us eating what looks like a pretty good meal.  And Christmas was spent with Matt's parents walking up and down the halls with our 6-week old colicky baby.  Again - what a difference a year makes!

We decided to go very basic with our tree this year since we aren't sure how Abby would be with all the ornaments and I don't want to hover over her constantly to ensure she doesn't break/stomp on/eat/throw/lose any of them.  Once we test out the waters this Christmas, we'll decide what to do next year.

She was such a big help during decorating!  I can't wait for Christmas this year!

(Disclaimer: I usually don't wear my jeans rolled up, and Abby usually wears pants.  Well, most of the time.)

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY ABIGAIL!

Dearest Abigail,

At this exact time, one year ago today, you came screaming into this world and changed mine and your Daddy's life forever.  You were beautiful, perfect, healthy and everything we had been dreaming about for the previous 9 months.  We both loved you from the second we laid our eyes on you.  Your Daddy was so gentle in the hospital when the nurse handed you to him.  And he was so watchful as you got your first bath and waited in the nursery for Mommy to recover from surgery.

This has been one of the hardest, best, craziest and maybe the most wildest year we've been through.  We've had our ups and down's and not a whole lot of sleep, but we sure have loved the ride.   You won our hearts and we wouldn't change a thing.  We got a crash course in learning to be parents, and you have taught us well.

Each month you change and grow.  And each phase you are in I sometimes think to myself that I'd wish you would stay just this age because I love it and I couldn't possibly love the next stage any more.  But I do.  Every time.  Every day I love you more and watching you grow up and learn new things every day is absolutely one of the most amazing things to see.

I look forward to many, many more years.  Happy 1st birthday sweet girl.

Love,
Mommy

Vintage Abby.

It's my party....

We celebrated Abby's 1st birthday a week early this year since unfortunately I will be working on her actual birthday.  But nonetheless it was a fantastic day and I think everyone had a really good time!  She got so many gifts - and loved every single one of them.  Both sides of her family were there, including all of the dogs!  My friend Lindsey just happened to be in town that weekend from California visiting, so she also got to come along with her handsome little 14 month old, Calan.

Thank you so much to everyone that came and made it such a fun day for her!  We missed everyone in Houston and Indiana, wish you could have been there!

Enjoy the pictures!

My girl in her birthday tutu and owl "Look whoo's ONE outfit!"

She's sitting in her little wooden rocker from her Grandma Heign.

That's a baby rump.

Candy and treat buffet table.  

Her little "smash" cake was vanilla and the main cake was a yummy red velvet!

Calan says "what is this you are wearing Abby?"

"What pretty eyes you have..."

Rockin' the Radio Flyer trike she got from her Aunt Heather!

Family photo!

So glad Great Grandpa Abram could make it!

"Hmmm, not sure what I think about this"

"Well, OK, maybe I'll try it"

"I don't like thiiiiisss!!!"

"Hey - I like it though!"

Happy girl!