She's ONE!!

I have a sweet, darling little one year old. I can't believe it. Josie turned one October 15th and we had so much fun celebrating. Kind of like how I've always wanted to celebrate MY birthday for an entire week (it's true), I wanted to celebrate Josie's birthday throughout the ENTIRE month of October. Just to prove that's true, come over to our house. Almost two weeks later, we still have some party decorations up.

I've learned several lessons (millions, really) throughout my single year as a parent so far. One of them being...no future child of mine will ever receive shots on their birthday. Where was my brain the day we scheduled this appointment? Who knows. Although she's never had an adverse reaction to her shots in the past, her 12 month shots (including her vaccination) really knocked her flat on her rear end. So, on her very first offical birthday, she was a glossy-eyed, clingy (which of course I didn't mind that one; I love when she snuggles me), super hot to the touch, not wanting to eat a thing, little bug. Ladybug, that is. Lesson learned.

So here are a few highlights from her actual birthday (the day before the party). We had lunch at Ingrediant with the grandmas, Kerri and Emri. My mom brought mini cupcakes, which Josie devoured. That's my girl. :-)




Please, please, please note the tiny, little gold ring on Josie's pinkie finger. Not only was this a precious gift from my mom because it was MY ring when I was a baby, but I love that Josie is wearing this ring on her pinkie. I just feel like she should have on tons of make-up, a fur coat and be saying something like "daaawwwling" (and at the same time, trying to get me to buy some of her black market gold jewelry). What a fancy little chubby finger! :-)

Birthday Eve

On the eve of Josie's first birthday, I'm thinking back to this night last year. After writing an eviction notice (Josie was 6 days overdue and was finally going to be evicted from her warm, snuggly home in my belly) on our dry erase board, Todd and spent our last evening together as couple without kids. I knew we were going to meet Josie (although at the time, we were still deciding between Jane Elizabeth and Josie Lynn) the next day and I could barely get myself to fall asleep that night. It was like Christmas Eve. The BEST Christmas Eve I've ever had. :-)

So this is us the next morning...



And 12 short hours after arriving to the hospital, our sweet little Josie made her debut to the world.


Nothing changes your world like having a baby.


On this day last year, I knew my life would never be the same. But at the same time, I really had no idea what I was about to experience. I had no idea that I'd love, worry, obsess over, snuggle, want to pinch and squeeze, sometimes get frustrated with and adore more than I do this little girl. I'm in love.

Happy Eleven Months!

It's less than a week before Josie's birthday and I realize I haven't posted eleventh month pictures. Better a few weeks late than never. I'm realizing that's sort of how things go when you have a little one to take care of. :-)




Josie's first taste of cake. Just a little lick. Funny how a little lick turned into frosting smashed all over her cute chubby little cheeks. Her first real cake on her birthday this weekend should be interesting. I bet she'll eat the whole thing! Josie's sweet tooth has already begun. Greens beans? No way. Carrots? Never. Whole grains? Yeah right. But frosting? Oh yeah, baby, bring it on!