Everly Turns One

Well, today was the day. Everly turned one year old! Just in the past week, I have almost felt like she is one year old. Her size has gone from little baby to precious chunky monkey baby. When I carry her on my hip, I feel like she is a one year old, not a little baby anymore. Of course, I always feel like they are babies until they are 3 years old, but for her, I have felt her transition past that newborn/infant/little baby stage. I spent the day with her yesterday thinking about all of the things we would do that day that were her last as a "less than one year old." I took pictures of the last nap I would lay her down for. And, she was so tired, I just looked over the crib at her and thought about this time last year. I have loved having each of our new babies. I have had very easy deliveries, so it has been easy to enjoy them. I love the hospital time and delivery time and those first few months of snuggling, nursing, cozy, baby time. I'm not going to say that the nursing has ever been super easy to get started with any of my kids, and this time with Everly, it was the toughest. And, I'm not going to say I'm not tired, although this time with Everly, I probably got the most sleep. And while not every moment is easy and I have realistic days of frustrations, I am one of those crazy people that really do enjoy all of those moments. Even when there's hard stuff, I am just so glad that God gave me that child, that I have a hard time complaining because I never want Him to think I'm not thankful for the job he has so intently placed on me. There is something about that first year for me that I love so much. In fact, I love it so much, that it might mean my tough years will be their teenage years...yikes! Now, Everly is starting to get more independent and try new things and get curious and start personality traits that will always be hers. It is just such a big deal for my babies to turn one.

So, on this first birthday morning (or shall I say last night), she caught a cold. She was just stuffy and couldn't sleep well and took some good naps today. I have gotten a cold this past week and my body is tired and my head is stopped up. So, I know what she feels like. But, her first birthday day was spent doing things with the older kids, naps, playing, swinging, taking pictures, and eating her first chocolate cupcake with a candle on top. We will have a big birthday party for her in a couple of weeks, so we held off any other celebrations. But, they are coming! So, here are a few pictures of our baby girl!

 Before school for Grace, she had some sister time. I dressed her in Grace's 1st birthday outfit for the day!

 This was her last nap as a one year old. Sleeping babies (or heck, sleeping 5 year olds too) are so sweet.

 Within the last 5 days, she pulls up on everything. However, I found her like this after hearing her fuss from another room. I came to her and realized she had gotten up, but she couldn't get back down!

 And then today, I was unloading my Sam's Club purchases while she played on the garage floor (yes, the dirty garage floor) when I realized her hair was looking so red in the sunlight and I had to get some photos.

 Here she was clapping for me.

 Here she was running her fingers down her lips to make bubble noises!

 And those baby blue eyes. The kids get those from their daddy!

 And real quick, I had Vic take my picture with her. I am never in many pictures, but even without hair and makeup and looking rough, I am sure one day she will not care. This was her first birthday day!

 For dinner, she had black beans and her first piece of pizza.

 The kids sang to her a few times before birthday cake time!

 And then she got to blow out her candle and eat her cupcake. She played with it a little but after that first taste of chocolate icing, she was all in!

 There were never any smiles; only serious eating.

 I didn't actually let her eat the whole thing; I probably gave her half. But, she loved it!

I know it's gross to look at, but those little chocolatey fingers are still so cute to me! I think I'll do her birthday party cake in vanilla cake and white icing! Happy Birthday Everly!