1 Year Old!

My sweet Zoë, a year ago, I woke up thinking it would be at least 2 more weeks before we met you. But God was writing you a different story, and we met you later that evening. Thankfully Mimi was at our house {preparing to go home the next day}, so Daddy and I were able to hurry away to the hospital while she watched your brothers for us. I was very scared when the doctor said they were going to take you out. When you were born at 6:52 pm I heard just faint, mewing cries before they whisked you away to take care of you. I was left alone while the doctors worked on me. Daddy came back to show me a picture of you and nearly your whole face was covered in tubes. It was hard for me to be patient but there was literally nothing I could do except wait for the anesthesia to wear off. Finally, sometime after 9 pm, they wheeled me into the NICU to see you. The nurses were impressed with how big you were- 5 lbs. 4.5 oz. This was the first time I had to leave a baby and sleep in the hospital room alone. It was a rough start, but here you are, turning 1 year old! Look how much you've grown!

Seeing you for the first time

Your brothers meeting you for the first time, 8/3/15

You are silly!

Almost 1 year old in this photo

 My darling little girl. You've made several changes this month.

Daddy set up a tent in the back yard, and Levi fed you puffs from it :) 

July 4 in Nebraska

- Your first tooth (bottom right) popped through on July 4th! A second one has broken through beside it!

- You eat most anything we give you. Today you get your first birthday doughnut! I think you'll like it as well :) 

You love almost all foods! 

- You are just starting to learn to sign "more". We are also working on "all done" and "please." You chatter a lot, but not many actual words, aside from mama and dada. 

- You enjoyed your first {free!} ChickFilA meal on cow appreciation day, July 12. 

- You stood up all by yourself, July 26. We were in the living room and you were on the floor and you just stood up. No pulling up on the furniture. You've been getting so frustrated in your attempts recently as you are kneeling then move to a squat and I see you working so hard to go up, but instead you fall back on your bottom. But this time you did it! 

In KC at Dagg Spray Park, Aunt Teresa captured this neat photo! {July 2016}

- You are quick! I have to keep doors shut, water cups off the coffee table, the floor vacuumed, which I continue to forget each of these things, but usually catch you looking down the stairs, reaching for the cup and putting your "treasure" from the floor into your mouth. 

On the way home from our trip to the Midwest. You were a good little traveler! 

- You are wearing mostly 12 month clothes. I have tried to put some sandals on you a couple of times but you just try to rip them off until they eventually fall off. Guess we'll just have to work on this before it turns cold.

Wearing a butterfly clip for the first time, one of Miriam's.

Zoë Kayte, what a year it has been! You have grown and changed and shown us pieces of your personality. You love your family and have such a sweet smile. I love to tickle you (your favorite spot seems to be under your chin) and hear your joyful laughter! I love to cuddle and snuggle and hold you as you sleep. Your hair is starting to grow longer and turn lighter, I can't wait to start putting in little clips and ponytails and eventually braids (if you'll let me)! I enjoy looking back at the past year we have shared, your first year of life; our lives wouldn't be the same without you. And I look forward to the year ahead, how you'll become more coordinated, chase after your brothers, and take in more of the world around you. I love you so very much, Zoë! You are beautiful and full of life! Love, Mommy