Happy First Birthday, Hattie!

It's crazy to think that Hattie's already one year old!  This past year has been such a treat as we've watched Hattie become our littlest sweetheart!  Just one year ago, I was in the hospital, anxiously anticipating her arrival and today, she's here and very full of life!  Hattie is calm and quiet almost all the time.  She's content to play with others and by herself and she really loves attention from all of her big cousin and big sissy.  She's even begun to say "Sissy" when we ask her to, but she's not said it on her own just yet.  Gracie is madly in love with Hattie and one of the only reasons she doesn't look forward to going to school is because she misses Hattie.  Such sweet sisters.

Hattie is right on track with her development, from what I can tell.  She's learning to walk, but hasn't taken her first unassisted steps just yet.  She's talking a bunch, too.  She'll say Momma, Dada, bye-bye, baby, yeah, baa, moo, oink, and pa (for paci) without prompting.  When we ask her to repeat words, she will always try!  Hattie gets several opportunities to play with kids, little ones and big ones and she relishes those times always.  Whether we're in Mrs. Greene's Sunday School class, hanging out in the lobby at Gracie's dance class, or just playing with the neighborhood kids, Hattie is having fun!  She's a social butterfly, too!  Although she and Gracie are different in their social preferences.  G will strike up a conversation with anyone and feel comfortable right off the bat.  Right now, Hattie is more reserved and takes a few minutes to analyze the situation before she will smile and speak.  But once she's comfortable, Hattie will give high-fives, perform all her "tricks", and scream like the big girls.  It's so fun watching her come out of her shell!

We've begun the transition to cow's milk as I wean myself off the pump.  She's slowly beginning to take more ounces, although her milk consumption is way down compared to the past few weeks.  I figure she knows what she needs, so I'm not going to stress about it.  

We had her birthday party on Saturday, just a couple of days early.  It was an I am Jesus' Little Lamb party.  Her favorite song to sing is 'I Just Wanna Be a Sheep' which is a VBS song.  So the party was a perfect fit.  Many of Hattie' friends and family were able to make it to help her celebrate and they all spoiled her with gifts.  She didn't quite know what to think of everything, but she got the hang of tearing the paper open after just a couple of gifts.  It was a great day to celebrate our special girl.

I know this first birthday is just the beginning of a lifetime of memories with Sweet Hattie.  I could not be more in love with her and I'm just so grateful that God blessed us with her.  After having two miscarriages, I wasn't sure I'd ever get the chance to celebrate another first birthday.  But God had a plan and it has proven to be perfect for our family.  Thanks be to God as we celebrate today!