Happy 1st Birthday, Christina!

Happy 1st Birthday, Christina Mary! I cannot believe how quickly this year went by. I know I say this when each one of the girls celebrates a birthday, but this one really feels like it went by faster than the others. In one moment I feel like she was born a few months ago, and then in next moment I feel like she has been part of our family for years. It's hard to describe, but either way we are completely and totally blessed! 

Christina, you are the absolute most patient and relaxed little one. You are nearly up for anything and you love your big sisters so much! Your favorite and most happy time of the day is in the evening when we eat dinner together around the table. You beam with excitement and babble and giggle. You love having us all together and you let us know. You are an absolute joy and remarkably tender and lovable. You stole our hearts a year ago today and we just all adore you! 

Just a few moments after she woke up. Happy Birthday, Sweet Girl! 

Waiting for her breakfast with a big smile. It's fun to be one! 

We all got a pleasant surprise when we found out G-Pa would be in town recruiting on Christina's birthday. G-Pa is now the
Offensive Coordinator at Iowa State University and we are so excited that he and Nonna will be much closer to us! G-Pa joined us for dinner and cake and stayed the night with us.

Singing "Happy Birthday!"

Christina actually knows how to blow air out of her mouth. She does it when I put food on her tray. (She likes to mimic what I do when her food is warm.) When I brought the cake with the candle close to her,  I told her to blow and she did. We didn't quite catch the moment with the camera but it's on video. It was adorable!

G-Pa surprised Christina with a stuffed dog and balloon and this cake. We had a yummy vanilla funfetti and chocolate cake to enjoy. Thanks, G! 

Go get it, girl!

A little help opening gifts. 

The Birthday Girl playing with her new toy with her big sisters. Christina is lucky girl...she has the best big sisters in the world. They just love her and think everything she does is so cute. After school, they greet her with hugs and kisses and in the morning they can't wait to talk to her at the breakfast table. It's so very sweet. 

Happy Birthday, Christina! It's been a very fun and enjoyable first year. You melt our hearts daily and we can't imagine our family without you. We love you, tonies!

Feticks' Visit

Last weekend the Feticks came down to visit from St. Louis. We had such a great time. Fay and I went to college together -- sorority sisters and college roommates. Her husband, Jeff, and David have really gotten to know each other well since our days in college so it's always fun to get together. Their 18 month-old daughter, Nora, is a doll. The girls played together non-stop, which was really fun to watch. We spent Saturday afternoon at the zoo. We were lucky and had great weather. Here are some pictures from our weekend:

Christina's first time to the zoo. She loved the animals and was so patient in her stroller.  

Getting up close.  

Nora and Christina just hanging out watching the very large tortoises. 

Sweet girls!

We had a great time with the Feticks and hope to see them again soon!

Gabby's First Dance Competition

Gabriella is competing this year as a jazz soloist. It all began last spring when Gabby's dance teacher approached me about working with her privately and going to competitions as a soloist. David and I talked it over and decided it would be something Gabby would most likely enjoy. She loves dance and we knew the competitive side of it would be appealing to her. 

This new adventure officially began in the summer when she learned her 2-minute routine and has been working on it since then…meeting a couple times a month with her teacher and practicing at home. 

She competed the first time last week and did very well. She was the youngest soloist at the competition and was the first to perform. The other girls in the petite category were at least 2 years older than her. Each dancer was judged individually and then one award was given to the top performer in the category. Individually, she did very well, earning gold. (The girl who won the overall petite category we learned will be 10 years old soon - Gabby will be 7 next month.) The judges really enjoyed her routine and provided good feedback. She has things she will work on of course, but she nailed all her "tricks" which included a back walk-over. We are so very proud of her and look forward to her next competition in February. Keep up the good work, Gabby!

   

Warming up before her performance on the stage. 

With her gold metal after the awards ceremony.  Way to go, Gabby!