Lilly turns One!

We had a very memorable 1st birthday celebration for Lilly. She enjoyed every minute of it! A few highlights for her included playing with some of her friends and cousins, her balloons, eating cake, and all of the goodies that everyone was so kind to give her. As first time parents, it was a bittersweet day for us. It is understood that time will go by too fast with little ones but we found ourselves reminiscing quite often. Lilly is in such a fun phase and we wouldn't trade all of the joy that she gives us for anything.

Lilly had her one year appointment at the doctor's office yesterday. Things were a little rough for her this time around. She lost weight so the doctor was concerned and also wanted to check her for anemia. Mommy was not expecting this at all!!! Although I should not have been surprised with all that we have been through since day 1. We had to see a different doctor because our Pediatrician, Dr. Green, has been very ill and on medical leave unfortunately. We ended the visit with the doctor realizing that we are doing everything and more right and so the only suggestion was to add breakfast carnation to her milk and fix higher fat foods for her. She eats more than most two and three year olds do and you would never believe it with how petite she is. She gets it honestly from Mommy and Daddy. She had 3 shots and was not a happy camper! Her height is now 28 inches, weight 16 lbs 8 oz.

Here is a rundown of what she has been up to:

• Speed crawling and is very close to walking!
  
• Likes to say, da-da, ma-ma, ga-ga for her doggie Annie, bu-bu for bubbles in her bath, bye-bye, yeah, etc
• Some of her favorite foods right now are bananas, strawberries, carrots, peas, grilled cheese, beef & noodles, yogurt, ravioli, etc. She is not a picky eater and we're lucky for that. The only food she dislikes are scrambled eggs -- for now.
• Crawls up stairs
  
• Plays catch with balls
• Holds her hand and cell phones up to her ear like she is talking to someone.
• Is a very social little girl and waves to everyone.
• Cut her first tooth a week before her birthday, finally!!! And her 2nd bottom tooth is starting to poke through as well.
• Loves her stuffed Curious George monkey.

Enjoy the pictures!

Playing at the Park

We took full advantage of the Spring-like temperatures in February and made a trip to the neighborhood park. Lilly tried out the baby swing, teeter totter and even took a try down the slide. We had a blast! Hearing her giggle makes me giggle tears.

Lilly is on the move more than ever right now. In the last week, she has climbed the stairs, started saying Night-Night, waves at anyone and everyone when we are out and about, is cutting one of her bottom teeth (finally at 11 1/2 months!), and is walking with support from Mommy or Daddy. Now that she has pieced together saying Night-night means that she lays down in her crib makes this less than appealing to say.

We will be celebrating her 1st Birthday on February 20th and will be having a small party for her on February 21st. We can't believe our little girl is almost one!

In other news...Jarod resigned from Coleman Stevenson Montel Law Firm a few weeks ago and has joined Leo Brown Group to work as their General Counsel. He has also started his own company, Brown & Company. He will focus on general corporate legal work as well as seeking financing for business deals. It is an exciting time for our family because he enjoys his new career path so much more. He feels less stressed and is more available to Lilly which she absolutely loves. I am very proud of him for all that he has accomplished for the young age of 26 going on 27!

Happy Valentine's Day to all!

Lots of Love,

Melissa, Jarod, & Lilly