Isabel got way more presents than she should could handle but she did a good job opening most of them. Luckily she had her cousins to help!

We had a lot of friends and family that came to celebrate including: Dave, Deb, Kelsey, Taylor, and Connor, Grandpa and Grandma Mark and Diane, Grandpa and Grandma Tom and Jodi, Andy, Jessica, Thomas and Gabby, Auntie Gina and Paul and Judy. Great Grandpa Don and Grandma Marcia couldn't be here but they were here in spirit. Here are a few of our guests enjoying the bar.. little Gabby felt like a "big" girl sitting there looking so cute!

The party begins... cousins Gabby and Thomas arrived and the girls started playing.

Izzy cuddling with daddy and auntie Gina before the party.

Isabel before the party got officially under way... she had two good naps in preparation : )

Isabel as a newborn... she was so cute!!! Still is of course!

Birthday Girl!!

Isabel turned one this weekend and we had a nice party to celebrate. On one hand I can't believe that year has gone by already, but on the other, I can't remember what my life was like before her. Reflecting back I truly believe that you have no idea what you're in for when you take that leap and decide you want to have a baby. I read book after book about motherhood, listened to many moms tell me what it was going to be like and how I was going to feel, yet I now realize that there is no substitute for life experience and no two people's experiences are going to be the same. I am thankful for all of the moms in my life that lend an ear when I need it or ofter advice when I seek it.

As for my little girl, everyday I wake up and feel like I am a better person because of you. I treasure every day as I am in awe of how fast you are growing and I dream every night of the wonderful person you are becoming. There are times when I feel sad because I feel like you are changing too fast but I always remind myself that I am lucky that I get to be a part of it and I can't wait to see what the world has in store for you. I am so proud to call myself your mom. I love you!