Making Mother's Day Cards

Happy Birthday Lydia and Uncle Zak!

My family threw a birthday party for me...

and Uncle Zak!

But, let's face it, when it's your very first birthday party, it's hard to share the attention.

So, we surprised Uncle Zak with a little party of his own... well, it was a surprise, until mom spilled the beans! Way to go mom! Oh well, it was still fun!

Our little Dave Brubeck

Thanks, Aunt Cass, for capturing this awesome video!

Birthday gifts for Lydia

For Lydia's first birthday, her Dad put together this video of her various stages of learning how to walk (with a little help from Uncle Zak). It's amazing to watch her grow and learn so much in just a few months. Josh did an awesome job!




Lydia also received another special video for her first birthday. This one is so very special because it is set to the song that her Aunt Krissy and Uncle Zak wrote for her! The lyrics capture so many of Lydia's characteristics ~ it's fabulous! I choke up every time I listen/watch.

Butterfly Show 2009

Last week, my mom had the fun idea to take Lydia to the Butterfly Show at the Krohn Conservatory. This year they are featuring butterflies from India.

Maybe it was just me, but the colors of the flowers and butterflies this year seemed especially bright and vibrant. It was beautiful.

I think Lydia noticed a butterfly or two while we were there, but she was much more interested in sticking her tiny fingers in the little waterfall and walking up and down the metal ramp which made a fun noise if you stomped your feet.

"G'mama, look at that waterfall!"

"I want to stick my fingers in that waterfall!"

Birthday Girl

Dear Lydia,
I've come to realize that all parents say this, but they all say it because it is so very true - I can't believe you are a year old! Time is flying by! When I think back over the year, I am amazed at how much you have changed.

On April 27, 2008, you were so tiny and delicate. You needed help learning how to eat. You needed help holding your head. If you were awake, some part of you was always moving - your fingers, your toes, your arms, your legs.

By the time three months had passed, you had become a champion eater. You liked to play with the hair on the top of your head, especially while nursing. Your neck muscles grew strong and you held up your neck by yourself. Yet, you were never a fan of tummy time. I think it's because you couldn't see everything as well when you were on your tummy. You have always wanted to know everything that is happening, determined not to miss a single detail.

At six months, you were sitting up on your own, pulling off your socks, and beginning to eat solid food. You enjoyed riding in your stroller and swinging at the park. Watching daddy play his guitar always made you happy and filled you with intrigue.

By the time you were nine months old, you learned to clap, to play pat-a-cake, to wave, and you began to love trying to walk. You were happiest when you were on your feet, and it never mattered how many times you fell down, you always wanted to get right back up.

Now you are walking all over the place. Sometimes, it seems as though you are about to start running! It doesn't matter if you are sitting down or laying on your tummy, you can get to your feet all by yourself from any position. You enjoy reading books, especially The Itsy Bitsy Spider. You shake your hips and dance whenever you hear music. You tell us when your hungry, thirsty, and when you want more. You say "Dada" most frequently, sometimes you say "mama", and your first word was "dog". You like to point to things with your finger, and you smile and laugh when we play peek-a-boo. One of my favorite things you do now is give kisses and hugs.

Little Lydia, you are so much fun to be around. I thank God every day for the blessing to be able to stay home with you and watch you grow into a beautiful little person.

Happy Birthday my little one-year-old! I love you more than words can say!

Lydia's new favorite food

Spaghetti!