Happy Birthday Bear

I feel like I am always writing the same things about Claire and how she is our little miracle baby and how perfect and wonderful and advanced for being a preemie she is. Well this post is going to be no different.

I had every intention of just sitting around the house and playing all day for Claire's birthday but decided that it would be more fun to go buy our new 1 year old a birthday present since I am the most awesome Mom EVER and didn't buy her one. I told Carly she could pick it out, and since we pretty much own ever toy ever made or some variation of it, I was excited to see what Carly would think Claire would want.  She of course went with her usual theme of kitchen/food related items and picked her out a Picnic Basket.  I honestly think Claire will like it and bonus for me the other kids are in love with it too.  We also got Claire her first Piggy bank. Never too early to start saving that change for college or a car!

Look at that top tooth! 

While we were driving to Target I got all teary eyed thinking how different this day was a year a go. Having a baby is such a joyous and exciting occasion, but when they come early or have complications it quickly turns to terrified and just plain awful. I don't wish that feeling on anyone and looking at her today I am so thankful.

How can you not be in love with this face

 I am thankful that she is doing everything that a normal 12 month old would be doing. I am thankful that she is so ridiculously loved by everyone.  I am thankful for the community of friends and family that came together to pray for my baby and continue to do so. I am thankful for the amazing friends that we met in the NICU and have stayed in contact with. I am just so darn thankful.

Eating Dairy Queen blizzards to celebrate!

I am so excited for the next year with her and all the milestones that we still have to look forward to. She should be walking any week now and I can't wait! I can't wait for her to get more teeth. We still only have 3.  Even more I can't wait to see more of her stubborn personality start shining through.

Thank you everyone for listening to me talk about her and how awesome she is!!