Friday, March 20, 2009

Our Birthday Girl!


I can't believe that our baby girl turned one-year-old this week! Where does the time go?!? It seems like just yesterday I was bringing our 6-month-old baby home and now she is turning into a toddler before our eyes.
Stu and I went back and forth on whether to have a big blow-out party for her. We had big parties for the boys first birthdays at home with us (both of the boys were over 1-year-old when we brought them home, so their first parties were for their second birthdays). However I think our whole family is feeling "partied-out," after her homecoming in October, followed by Christmas, and then her baptism a few weeks ago. We are blessed to have so many friends and family that celebrate our joyous occasions with us but I felt uncomfortable asking them to attend yet another party and bring another present. So we ended up having a small party for her with immediate family and a few close friends. It was perfect. It was nice and simple with cake and ice cream. My brother (the chef) made the food as his present to HotDog so I didn't even have to worry about that:)
Although she had no clue all of the hoopla was in her honor, I think HD had a fabulous time. Her favorite part was the cake, of course!


Ready to start her big day!


Anticipation

Not quite sure what to think



Starting to get the hang of it


Pigging out!

A little irritated when we decided she had enough


She received some fun new toys and, of course, lots of cute new clothes! Stu and I bought her some new equipment for outside. This little girl loves to be outside and will fit right in with her brothers this summer. I think she'll really enjoy her new outdoor toys!

Uh-oh! Got caught speeding!

Playing on her new outdoor climbing equipment


Enjoying a ride on her new fish, courtesy of Chipmunk


This was the first time she had tried cake and I think we let her eat too much because soon after everyone left she had a horrible tummy ache. She screamed like a banshee for about 20 minutes (very unlike her) and finally passed out in my arms at 6:20. I think she was completely worn out from her big day.
The day after her birthday I took her for her one-year checkup. The doctor pronounced her "fabulous" and said she looks "perfect" (which we already knew, of course:). He was pleased to see that she was developmentally on target in all areas. His only tiny concern was that she seems to be gaining weight a bit too quickly. Our big girl is now up to 25 1/2 pounds!! What can I say, the girl likes her food! We are hoping that the switch from formula to milk will help slow the weight gain. And I'm sure once she starts walking the weight gain will decrease. Speaking of which, she still has no desire to walk at all. There is not a doubt in my mind that she could if she wanted; she walks around our furniture barely holding on. However, I'm enjoying these last few days of pre-walking and are not encouraging it at all. It will come when it comes.
Next up on our agenda: Both boys will be having minor surgery next week. Chipmunk will be getting a tonsillectomy and Monkey will be getting (his 3rd) set of tubes. Ugghh. Most people think we're crazy for doing this at the same time but I figured that we'll already be at the hospital and Stu will already be off work...might as well go ahead and get them both over with. Looks like a fun spring break for us:)

10 comments:

Lori said...

Just when you think she couldn't get any cuter....

I LOVE the "Irritated" picture and the "Caught Speeding" picture! I just can't believe how much she's growing and I'm only getting to see pictures!!!

Seems like she had a fabulous day (minus the tummy ache) and thoroughly deserved! :)

Unrelated question: Do you find that a white crib is hard to maintain? My MIL keeps telling me that white will be a nightmare because of teething and paint chipping, etc...but I LOVE the white...and I love the white on that pretty blue you have on her wall. Just wondering....

Maria said...

Thank GOODNESS you finally posted pictures. I was having withdrawals wanting to see "my girl" :-) She had a great time I can tell!!! And she looks lovely and so happy. That picture post cake is what we call, around our house, a "Kyrgyz hissy". We have 1-2 every day. :-) I can't wait to come see you guys and have them play together -- especially once they are walking!!

Becky said...

Aw! Happy Birthday big girl! She's beautiful, and it looks like she had a marvelous time at her party!

Rachel said...

Happy Birthday! She looks so cute! Good luck this week with the boys. They'll do great...you're old hat at this now :)

April Taylor said...

Happy birthday little one! She is such a BEAUTY!

Carey and Norman said...

Happy Birthday Hot Dog! Loved the updated photos. How much your sweetie pie has grown in 6 months. She looked so cute eating her cake and I also loved seeing her play on her outdoor toys.

Glad to see an update!

Jeanne said...

Looks like HD had a wonderful birthday! She is just darling! So glad to hear she is healthy and on-target.

Jackie said...

I'm a bit late, but Happy Birthday, HD!! Wow...she looks great. Look at those cheeks :) So glad to hear a good report on her year old check up. I just think these Kyrgyz kiddos are the cutest!!!

Jackie

Deb said...

Hope the surgeries went well.

Happy birthday HotDog! Glad she had a good time even if she did get a bit worn out.

Isabel is just below her in weight but I'm guessing she's a bit taller too. And she's right with your HD on walking. She can if she would just let go.

Christen L said...

Wow! You must be busy with sick kids right about now. :( Hope everything went well.

It's been so long since I've been to your blog. HD has gotten so big already. She really is one of the most adorable kids! All of your kids are. Guess you got lucky that way.

Happy Belated Bday HD! :)