One Year Old

Ashlyn turned 1 year old on Thursday. Words can't describe how bittersweet it is. She is no longer a baby. I love seeing her grow and do new things, but I also miss my newborn that I could hug and cuddle for hours. It does just seem like yesterday that we were heading to the hospital because my water had broke. The joy she has brought into our lives is unmeasurable. She truly is a gift from God and a joy to be around. Her laugh is hands down the cutest thing I have ever heard. Her smile is contagious. She is the sweetest girl in the whole world! She is my baby and will always be my baby. I love her more than anything in the whole wide world and thank God everyday for blessing us with such an amazing little girl! There will never be the right words to sum up what she means to me. I wanted to right a beautfiul piece about her, but I just can't seem to find the words.

At a year old there is so much that Ashlyn can do now. She is a walking pro. She never crawls anymore. She just loves to walk. She continues to be very curious and loves to explore things. Her best friend is still Alli and they love playing together. Riding on her Dad's shoulders is one of her favorite things. She has 6 1/2 teeth. She loves giving kisses. I can say "Come give Mama a kiss" and she will stop what she is doing and come and kiss me. I LOVE it! She continues to talk like crazy. It seems like everyday we are able to make out more words and sounds. She is much more interested in toys now. She still loves odd objects to play with. Right now she is playing with her toothbrush and a puzzle.

On Thursday, Ashlyn spent the entire day with her Gram and Auntie. They had a great day together. Joey worked the day shift so he could be part of the birthday celebration. I raced to my parent's house right after work. We started to decorate and set up for her party. We really kept it low key. My parents, brother, sister, and brother-in-law were all there. We had a nice family dinner together and then Ashlyn got cake. Since I knew she would be eating a lot of cake on Sunday, we just gave her a cupcake. She LOVED it of course. She gobbled it down very quickly. She got showered with gifts. My parents bought her an adorable doll. My sister got her a Little People airplane set that she just loves. My brother got her a pink ATV. It is not motorized or anything,but boy does she love to be pushed on it! After presents, we headed home and put the birthday girl to bed. She fell fast asleep. I am sure she dreamed all night about what a perfect day it was!

Her new doll

Talking to her Grandpa.

Opening more gifts.

Practicing eating with a spoon.

Enjoying her cupcake

She was so excited to eat it!

Posing in front of her gifts.

Wearing her pretty party dress.

My Grandma sent Ashlyn a really neat picnic basket. She really liked it.