One

Today sure sneaked up on me.  I should have been expecting it and anticipating it for months.  But after a 2-week trip to Utah and another week to get back on schedule, April 10th came sooner than expected.  My baby is now a year old!  And even though we would have loved to have friends or family over tonight to help us celebrate, it was kind of fun that we didn't get around to planning anything and just enjoyed being together, the four of us.

Jolie has changed so much in the last month or two.  I love how she babbles away, how she loves to climb on things and has such a cute cheesy smile.  In the last few weeks I've loved watching the interaction between my two daughters.  With Jolie growing up more, Mierae treats her more as a friend instead of a little sister.  She looks out for her a little more and tries to include her in activities.  

Last night Eric and I were talking about the timing of when Jolie joined our family.  He felt like the Lord blessed us with Jolie at that time so that our family could learn to depend on each other more and grow closer.  Because Jolie came two weeks early, before my parents would arrive to help, we learned how to rely on good friends to help us out.  That was such a wonderful time.  Thank you, to those who may be reading this who helped us out with Mierae and in giving meals, gifts, visits, and time.  

Here are some highlights from last night's dinner out (Chick-fil-A waffle fries are different from regular fries!) and tonight's celebration with cake.  (Unforunately, cake, or any sweet, isn't a novelty around here, so Jolie's reaction to her cake isn't as climactic as it could be!)














You are such a blessing to us, Jolie! Thank you for coming to our family!

The things I enjoyed most about my day:

Jolie periodically looking up at me and "talking" as she nursed

Mierae giving me a kiss and saying, "I love you too," when I told her I loved her

Mierae "talking" on Eric's cell phone and holding a long conversation with Aunt Rosie

Watching Mierae with a doll she chose at the store--putting her in a cradle, then a swing, and holding her close

Organizing my "craft table" in my bedroom when both girls were napping

Answering Eric's phone call an hour before he usually leaves school to tell me he was coming home early to help me and give me a break

Mierae saying "that make you happy" when she went on the toilet