renniebird... one year

This sweet button turned one a week and a half ago...  I lingered over her as the clock struck midnight on her special day, almost believing something would magically change, turning my baby into a little girl.  Thankfully change is more gradual than that and the *toddler* who woke that morning was my same, dear Serenity.

Taking the time to make our home look special for her little party was so fun!  While she won't remember, I certainly will!  My mom and sister were my amazing helpers, watching Rennie while I worked and also pitching in some beautiful ideas!  While my heart breaks that my dad and five of my siblings couldn't be here, having *some* here was incredible!  AND Nat took over 900 pictures (yes, you read that right... which definitely explains why this post is brimming with them) with my camera, so extended family certainly aren't missing out on the details.  ;-)

Hehe... gift wrapping isn't my specialty! 

Our dining room and kitchen were transformed into a faerie-woodland, complete with pictures documenting Rennie's first year!  Our menu consisted of burgers, potato salad, fresh fruit, lemon puppy chow, slaw, and muffins with cool whip (instead of cake and ice cream)!  And, for the grownups, coffee (of course!).

My mom's beautiful handiwork!

*heart melts*  Rennie was definitely a little overwhelmed by the festivities at several points, so I was her "happy place" (and she was definitely mine!).

Sitting on the blanket I made before getting pregnant with Promise.  After losing our first baby, I tearfully tucked it away in my hope chest.  One of the first things I did when I found out I was pregnant with Serenity was pull this out!  Such joy!!

I am not the only one rejoicing over graduating into a toddler parent.  <3  Andrew has been SO busy with work since Rennie's birth (not by choice), yet he still has made time to bond with her.  She bounces up and down, whispering "Dada!" when he gets home each night.  They love snuggling, reading, and gently wrestling together!

*be still my heart*

I always love when Andrew's family and mine can spend time together!  Such sweet friendships!

Progression of trying to get pictures with an active child!

We did facetime with my dad and siblings before the party officially started.  Rennie LOVED it!

This day turned into an absolute whirlwind of sweetness and beautiful memories...  So thankful for the pictures capturing these moments that words can't always describe...

Presents!!

At one year, Rennie:

Walks everywhere and gets into everything!

Weighs 27-28 pounds (depending on the time of day!)

Wears 24 month and 2T clothing (and size 4 diapers)

LOVES music

Loves hugs and snuggles

Enjoys books (being read to and also "reading" to herself!)

Likes food a lot!

Has ten teeth :-0

Likes puzzles

Growls when angry

Favorite word by far is "dada"!

Is VERY ticklish

Makes silly faces

Waves!

Happy first birthday, my darling girl!  I love you more than words can express!

<3