What a year can bring...

On this day a year ago, I was preparing myself to be a Mommy. At 9 days over my due date, I was more than ready to have our sweet Stella. In some ways this past year flew by...while as other times, I feel as though she's been with us forever. I remember that day so well...induced at 6:00 am, and at 8:44pm, our lives changed! Man, did it change! We have been blessed exceedingly, abundantly, more than we could ever ask or think! Happy Birthday Stella!!

(more birthday pictures coming...)

going home..DecemberJanuary

February March April
May

June

July August September

October

November

Happy 1st Thanksgiving!

Stella was almost here last thanksgiving...but decided to wait until Dec. 1 to come. I just knew she would be a Thanksgiving baby! I was so wrong! :)

She had a fun first Thanksgiving at MiMi's then at Nina's. She tasted turkey for the first time, met new family and stayed out past her bedtime. We loved the cutest turkey shirt ever too...compliments to aunt Holly.

I Don't Know!

Stella continues to show us that she understands what we are saying....or asking! Her new thing is holding up her hands and saying....well, we like to think she's saying, "I don't know!" She even has a book that asks a question and while playing, she'll throw her hands up and say her answer. So cute! :)

Cheeeese!

Recently Stella has been showing us more and more each day how much she understands. Her new trick is showing us her teeth. She has almost 3 on the top and 4 on the bottom. She is so proud :) I couldn't help but get a picture of her "bed head" either. Love her!

Smiling big...

Happy 11 Months!!

Stella turned 11 months today...now the countdown is on until her first birthday...can you believe it? If you haven't seen the videos, she is walking everywhere! She's also started to say the word "hey". She imitates lots of noises and gestures now, and attempts to say chicken...it almost sounds like "chick" "chick". So cute. She points toward things shes interested in and makes up her own sound for that item. She understands simple commands, such as "Find your baby" or "Let's go to Stella's room". She likes to go over to the window in the breakfast room and look for Daddy when I say "Who is outside?" She's also been walking around the house with her toy phone up to her ear....uh-oh ! hehe :)

The outfit I love right now...
The cutest skeleton I've ever seen!