Happy First Baby Girl

I blinked and now she is one.

I can't believe it really, I mean I believe she is one, but I can't believe how quickly this year went by. I have a whole list of shoulda coulda woulda's with this girl. I tried with all my might to keep up with all the changes and the growing, because I was going to be better than how I was with Axel. That's what I told myself anyway, but wouldn't you know it, I failed miserably and got even worse! I guess it just comes with the territory of having multiple children. 

A year ago today, I met this girl for the first time, and she has been bringing joy, excitement, and laughter to my life ever since.


She came at a rough time in our lives, I feel like my pregnancy with her was crazy hard. Hard physically, but also hard emotionally because our family life was kinda hectic, and so was my mind. Hormones are NOT my friend folks. But the day she came into our lives, it just got better, and better.
She brought balance (a little less sleep mind you) But balance none the less. We went from being a couple with a baby, to a family. Complete with a Dad, Mom, big brother and baby sister.

I have SO enjoyed getting to know her this year, and I am excited to see what kinda girl she turns out to be in the years to come.

Earlier this week I had lunch with my mom at the hospital where she was born because my dad was having surgery, and I parked on the same side all the new parents park when having their babies. I watched about a half dozen families that day walk out of the hospital with their new little bundles, mom in wheel chair, dad carrying flowers, gift bags, and luggage, and I am not gonna lie, I kinda got teary eyed. I was flooded with nostalgia of the day we brought her home.  It goes by so fast! But it really does feel like yesterday. I remember with Axel we were scared, like "are you sure we can take him home and he will live?" kind of scared.  But with her, we were confident and excited to get her home and be a part of our family. She adjusted so quickly to our routine, and family. 

She was our super sleeper, oh how she is SUCH a great sleeper. I remember at first we were confused because she didn't want us to rock, nurse or cuddle her to sleep like her brother. She fought us on that like you wouldn't believe, and then we would put her in her crib bewildered, like what do we do now, and the next thing we knew she was asleep, and she is still that way.
 
Even though she is now a "toddler" she is still my baby girl. She is such a petite thing. She has more spunk and sass than any one year old I have ever met.
The minute she hears music she can't resist the urge to sing and dance. We get such a kick out of her when she tries to sing along with songs. Today in fact she said "do the twist" and shook her little head and swung her arms. It was one of the moments that you just about die as a parent. If you could bottle up that moment and keep it forever you would. But like all things, the moment was fleeting and gone, and all I have is the memory of it.

She loves to read books, and points to all the pictures saying "what's this"and will imitate the animal sounds and give babies kisses :)

When I asked Kory what I should include in this post he reminded me of something he said to describe our kids:

"Both our kids love rules, Axel loves to follow them, and Dani loves to break them"

And although it appears that she is rebellious, I think she just likes things her way, and if you try to stop her, she will fight you tooth and nail to do what she wants. ok sure, I guess that is rebellious, but I like to call it strong willed :)

But baby girl we are so happy you came into this world, and picked us to be your family. We couldn't have asked for a sweeter, spunkier, lovelier daughter, and we are so glad to have you a part of our lives. May the next year be full of just as much fun, growth and so much!

Love you baby girl!

 More on her birthday week coming soon!