First Year and Fireworks

Well, we didn't actually see any fireworks this year, but what a year of fireworks it has been! It's hard to believe that a whole year has passed since our little adventure as parents began. Lola has certainly brought much joy to our lives. She is a delightful little girl who just makes me smile to watch her and interact with her. I know people say this all the time, but it's amazing how much she has changed in the past year. When we left the hospital, she was 5 and a half pounds. Smaller than Thomas. Now she has four teeth, tries to talk to us (but we have no idea what she is saying) and is pleased with herself when she does. If there is such a thing as a crawling sprint, she has it down. And she is FAST.  She is feeding herself, and though we have to hose her down when she is done, this is a world away from being glad she drank two ounces a feeding. She says "Mamma" and looks at Daddy when we ask her where he is. Amazing! She knows where Bogey is too when we ask her. 

Nana, Papa Jay, Gamma, Gampa, Great Aunt Chris, and cousin Taire came to Phoenix to celebrate this milestone with us. We had such a fun day! Lots of friends came to join us too, and we are so touched by the people who wanted to spend Lola's (and our Country's) birthday with us. Lola had a hotdog, almost a whole bun, some fruit and crackers (she's got quite the appitite) and we were all so excited to introduce Lola to cake. She tasted a couple of bites of the cake, but was really more interested in the gooey mess that was formed after mushing it all around her tray. Oh well, she has years to develop that sweet tooth!
I literally had to strip her down and hose her off in the tub, clothes going directly to the washing machine, along with everything she touched! I put her in her swim suit and she took a dip with the other kids and her daddy. She is going to be a little fish she loves the water so much!
I have posted all sorts of pictures from her big day. She was tuckered out by the end of the evening. We finished off the day with a book from her BFF Kate, which she loved.

A big thanks to everyone who made this day special for Lola and for us. We are thankful for your friendship and for being there with us through our adventure!