Birthday Girl

These happy pictures of Anelise were taken yesterday. Unfortunately, her face didn't get wiped beforehand!

Yesterday was Annelise's first birthday. It is so hard to believe she has been with us one year! The time has gone by so quickly (and I know everyone says it keeps on going quickly... including my mom who can't believe her daughter is 30 years old!). I couldn't help but think of her birth experience, and how miraculous (and easy) that was. Our family has experienced a lot since her birth, too, with a move across the country, a new job for Randy, no job for me, making new friends and trying to settle in to a different kind of life.

Annelise has grown, too, as babies do. She is now wearing 12-18 month clothing, although some of the 18 month pants are still too long. She has six teeth. Her communication skills have grown, saying mama, dada, dolly (da!... with an exclamation), and Danny (Da!... yes, dolly and Danny seem to be the same right now!). She has said "bye," with witnesses (when Gramma was leaving last weekend), but it hasn't been repeated. Annelise has taken two steps (March 17th), although she was coerced, so she is hesitant to do it again. She walks around quite well holding onto things, though, so when she lets go I think she will just take off across the room! Annelise does some pretty goofy things, too. She gives great little kisses and hugs, including to her dolls. We are trying to teach her to blow kisses, but all she does is blow air (no kiss sound or hand movement)... very funny! She loves to eat, and when we are eating without her, she makes noises and then opens and closes her mouth over and over to show that she wants to eat, too. Annelise can definitely communicate what she wants! Randy calls her laugh the little machine gun laugh because it is so rhythmic and quick. It almost sounds fake, but that is the way she laughs every time!

Happy birthday, Miss A!