Happy Birthday Rachel!

Rachel was born one year ago at 10:47 AM. She weighed 9 lbs 10.4 oz, and was 21 1/4 in long. She was born via C-section, while Ben and I listened to "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," "Bless the Broken Road," and "Be Thou My Vision." To this day, when I listen to the version of "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" that was playing during her birth, I clearly see the room she was born in, remember the feeling of everything - including things people said to me, how scared I was, the sound of Rachel's first cries, and how she looked, etc. I also start to cry:)

My little snugglebug:)

While we were excited about Rachel turning 1, I think it really hit us the day of her birthday. It's been quite a wonderful year with Rachel. I never expected being a mother could be so much fun. Rachel has brought so much joy to us. Rachel has taught me to trust God more, to laugh more, and to love more - all without even being able to speak. I can't believe how much she takes in every day with her sweet, sunny, and laidback personality. It's so much fun watching her learn and change every day.


I remember feeling so overwhelmed and under-equipped in the first 2-3 weeks of her life. The Lord blessed me w/ a mother who came down here and helped me not be so nervous to do routine things like sponge baths and who let us drop the baby off w/ her after feeding her so we could get sleep throughout the night. He also blessed me with a wonderful husband who helped work out a tagteam sleep system.....that allowed me to get at least 4 hour pockets of sleep w/in the first 2 weeks. I'm also grateful for Rachel's Aunt Kelly who has shed light on all sorts of child rearing questions - who needs all the books when you have Aunt Kelly:o). And of course, all of our family and friends have helped us w/ their prayers, gifts, and words of encouragement.


While carrying everything north for the week and doing her birthday outside our own home had its challenges, we were very happy to be able to celebrate this time with both of our families. Ben and I are both very thankful for our families. Here are some party pics from both grandparents' houses.

Party at Grandpop and Nana's house:

"Thanks Uncle Sean for my cool toy!""Thanks Uncle Matt, Ana, Claire, and Helen for my cool ABC and numbers books! As you can see, I also enjoy wrapping paper:)""Mmmm, Nana, these cupcakes are good!!"

Party at Pah-Pah and Grandma's house (try not to laugh at my challenged-looking cake!):

Rachel's sooo big! Check out the cool bumble bee that Pah-Pah made!

Wow! This is pretty cool, Nana and Grandpop!

"Thanks Jeremiah, DaniRae, and AnaGrace for my cool shirt! I love you guys too!"

We have a video of this too....but this is pretty much the video. She looked totally unimpressed by the family that was singing to her. She just gave us all a blank, open-mouth stare throughout the entire rendition of Happy Birthday.

"Mmmm, pumpkin cake!"

Snuggles w/ Nana and chatting w/ cousin DaniRae after a long day:)