One Year Old

Wow

The last year went by so quickly...

For her Birthday Piper had some visitors

Grandma Leslie, Great Grandma Betty (for whom she was named after, middle name at least), and Great Aunt Shelly.

The actual day of Piper's Birthday we hung out, went to lunch with Jonah and his Mom Sarah

and enjoyed the lovely spring weather.

I tried to get a good 1st Birthday Picture...

But all she really wanted was the remote...

Grandma Sally sent a package

And by the time the day of Piper's party came her Aunt Amy and Aunt Sandi arrived and it was time to get going on decorations and details.

While Piper slept Josh and I filled the house with 30 some-odd balloons.

Josh even snuck in and tied a few to her bed - the look on her face was priceless.

Grammy EIleen and Grandpa Scott got her some new running shoes. Cute eh?

She and Dad went out around town while I finished getting ready.

When they came back it was nap time and then party time!

She loooved the tiara.

Even cried when we took it off of her.

tu-tu care of Aunt Amy

Aoife came and Piper was so excited she wouldn't even let her put her purse down before leaping into her arms.

Are these for me?

Before presents we did the smash cake.

She wasn't so sure though...

Dad? will you save me?

Little pep talk from the parents.

touch...

Here Mom, you first!

hmmm...

Now time for presents...

Jonah was here to help

Trike from Aunt Sandi. Piper wasn't sure at first - but look at Jonah! He sure knew what to do!

Here Piper, watch this...

Lovely handmade clothes from Grandma Les

A very popular activity cube from Aunt Amy

And once she got the gist of the trike...

Watch out! Once her legs grow a little, we're in for it!

Happy Birthday Sweet Pea!

A few of her favorite things

Yesterday I got a call from Aoife...
She was in the drive way.

When we came out she was riding her horse Zuda and I thought Piper's eyes were going to pop out of her head she was so in awe. Aoife, one of her favorite people, riding a horse????

WoW!

What a treat!

And Yoda hugs too?

This girl was in heaven.

The next day Aoife was watching Piper and decided to bring her birthday present early...

Her own little Zuda horse!

Among other things, including some kids music that Piper is all about, let me tell you!

So when Daily Dave the UPS driver brought Piper's gift I couldn't help but join in the early birthday fun.

Its a farm like Grandpa and Grammy's and she couldn't have been more please with it.

She was actually playing pretend a bit and then Dad got in on the fun too- ooooo!!!!

So Big!

Seriously.

I don't know what happened. It was as if over night Piper was on the road to toddlerhood.

She's had a few nights of starving in the middle of the night and the next thing I know she looks taller, she's shaking her head no and not just to feel the movement - she's telling us something. And it works both ways. If I tell her no and shake my head she stops what she's doing. She might test it out a few times to see if I really mean it - but she gets it and listens (at least now she is ;-) She's clapping when she likes something (or when she's done eating). It's more than just pointing, she's communicating and exploring differently. Not just checking things out, but playing- talking to her toys and putting things inside of other things,

rolling the ball to you...and now we have to spell in front of her.

I don't know how to describe the difference really.

But it is there.

To celebrate we got her some new kicks.

Cute, aren't they?

We dropped her off at the Grandparents farm to do some shopping for the big One Year coming up next week. They come every week to watch her while I teach dance, but this was the first time we dropped her off at their house.

She didn't even look back as we said goodbye and drove off.

And when we arrived to pick her up?

Again, unfazed.

She had had too much fun to care where we had been.

Chasing ducks.

A ride in the wheelbarrow.

Convince the goats she's not scary.

Check out the bunny.

More goats...

well, you get the picture.

It seems each week Piper gives up one fun trick for another. She's not whistling much these days. Her new thing is loving on Imogine (who doesn't seem to mind one bit). Piper is not a cuddler with us... but with Imogine?

Well...take a look.

Just a few short days until our little girl turns one.

People tell you they grow fast, but wow...just...wow...

It has been an amazing year.

Full of wonder, challenge, late nights, early mornings, tears and giggles.

And I wouldn't change it for the world.