So, I had to take a break. Emma's festivities over the last couple of months made for one. tired. mama. We've been taking a little time to rest and play with all of our new great toys! I miss having a baby, but I sure love having this sweet thing toddling around after me. She is really starting to mimic our movements. She's trying to put shoes on herself, loves on her babies, and even tries shooting baskets with dad. She's not very good, but neither is dad ;)
Her birthday party was marvelous! It was 300 degrees out, but we still had a good time. Lots of friends and lots of family from all over the midwest came to celebrate with us! I love it. I love having wonderful people who love and cherish these moments with us. My in-laws were such a big help (again). They came to my rescue (again) so they could help shop, decorate, and prepare for the party a day early. I really wish I could have taken more pictures of everything and everyone, but I still have two thousand, so I think you'll get the picture of how this whole thing went down.
Brett found a groupon for a bounce house. It was ridiculously huge. But, we did count 75 people in attendance throughout the afternoon, half being kids. I think it was a good call on Brett's part. I know Emma won't remember it, but it wasn't so much for her as the little boys that we knew we would have to entertain. It is truly amazing to me how much these little boys can jump for so long,when the rest of us could barely breathe in the heat!
Of course, there were some big kids who enjoyed it also....
Oh, and a grandpa.
Emma got a new wagon from our neighborhood friends. We have been on several wagon rides per day. I think she is excited to be a part of the red wagon club within the neighborhood. We have a lot of kids around here, and the radio flyer seems to be the wheels of choice among them.
We are so grateful to everyone who came to enjoy the big 1 with us, and for those who couldn't be with us, but sent thoughtful gifts. Emma has been one very well dressed little girl from all of her birthday outfits while playing hard with all of her loot!
Since we partied so hard for Emma, we took Mother's Day a little slow. Still, we did do everything that I enjoy. Long walks with my sweet family after sleeping in, eating out, and ended with evening service at church. Mother's Day last year, we were still in the hospital dreaming about everything that our little Emma was going to be. She is better than any dream. I love being a mommy, and I love being Emma's mommy.
What a celebration to close an amazing year. That first moment they laid her little body across my chest and our eyes met, that moment that she made me a mother, that moment my heart spilled over with love... there will never be a party big enough to celebrate that. Being first time parents, we have certainly learned a lot. Mostly, just how much we could love. Emma has been such a blessing to our lives, and I never thought my heart could be overflowing so much from one little girl. I am certainly grateful for this life, and this husband, and this precious girl. God is so great!
