What a REAL 1st Birthday SHOULD look like!

Let me just start by saying that this event took a lot of preparation. Grandparents Harward were kind enough to let us have the party at their house. Everyone that came was so generous and had a great time.

Then it was playtime.

Next up was Lily's Cakes...

Here are a few more pictures. This was so fun! I'm sorry that you all couldn't be there. At least you can see what happened.

"Teething" Holy Moly

Well, Lily's been teething since she was about 4 months old. Those little "dents" keep coming up close to the surface of her mouth, then going away only to cause a litle pain and discomfort another day. Someone told us that the longer the teeth stay under the gums the stronger and healthier they'll be. Well they were right!

Our little girl got two of her bottom teeth about the first week of this Month, within a week of each other. She was chomping on everything. Today, her first birthday, she got one of her top teeth too. She found a few new loves: crackers, cardboard, and oh yes, her wooden bed.

Those little white marks are chunks of wood and stain chewed off in an attempt to break free from naptime. We were shocked and amazed at the damage a few minor teeth can do in one hour period if left unattended...

Too bad we didn't think to baby-proof this rail, although it can easily be fixed with some sandpaper and a little stain. I don't even think they make plastic covers for these pricy beds these days. I swear I remember my crib having some kind of covering. Oh well, hindsight is 20/20, right.

New Family Pictures

I'm sure many of you have been waiting for a new family picture of us. Well, we finally made that happen and there are a lot of fun shots for your enjoyment.

Here are a bunch of great ones of Lily, since she's been the major focus of our lives and our blog since she's been born ~ It's what you all come to the blog to see anyway!

Here are a few more... Mommy or Daddy and Me.

Watch Out!

Last week, Lily hopped out of bed and without even bothering to brush her hair or put both socks on, rushed out to the car to take Tobby for a ride. But before Tobby would give her the keys, he had her practice her friendly wave and test the horn in case she ran into any problems. She was then ready to take on the road. So, look out patrons of the road because Lily is ready to drive 15 years early!

Five Years and Going

Tobby and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary this last week. I know that may not sound like a long time for some people reading this blog, but it seems like a lifetime ago that I was single. It actually feels like another life completely. I am so happy that Tobby and I found each other. Even though I was definitely not looking for a husband when we met, I am glad that I opened my heart up to him because he makes me so happy. Our relationship has been so different since the birth of Lily, but in a good way. I love him so much more now that I get to see how much he loves and takes care of not only me, but Lily. He is the best Daddy in the world and me and Lily are grateful to have him!

At our reception

Smiling big with Daddy

Our Family

Hugs and Kisses

It amazes me everytime we are around other children how lucky we are to have Lily. While others kids or babies hit or scratch others when they get close, Lily patts others and holds their hands. She is so gentle! My cousin Brittany is having a baby in a few days and at her baby shower last week Lily was about ready to go to bed. But, as soon as she saw her little cousins, she was wide awake and wanted to play more than anything. They kept giving her hugs and holding her. Instead of struggling, she would snuggle with them and let them kiss all over her. She truly loves interaction with other small children. Cody, Meredith, and Lily's only cousin Emerson are coming out to Utah in a few months and I am so hopeful that Lily will be just as in love with Emerson. I can't wait!

My cousin Marti's little girl, Haley, loved to hold and kiss Lily at the shower

A hug sandwich from Haley and her cousin Ellie

Aunt Janice with Lily

Melting

As Lily gets older it is so fun to observe her personality as it developes. She is so funny and determined. We are so grateful to have her in our lives. Even after a rough day, we lay in bed at night and laugh at how silly our baby girl is. We can never stay upset at her for long with this smile that melts our hearts.

Lily has been doing this cute little pose lately where she lays on her side and holds her leg, like she's taking a glamour shot or something. She is so silly!

She also has been catching up on her reading, so I'm sure glad we have all of Tobby's school books in her room. To tell you the truth, it's one of the many things on our list of things to baby proof in the house. I just hope she is this interested in books when she grows up!