Happy Birthday Jesus!

We had a wonderful Christmas at the Bradley house! Stella loved all the decorations, lights and presents. We were kind of sad to put them all away to start the new year. She got so many fun things from Santa, family and friends. We are so blessed!

When the Christmas season began, Stella and I would read the story about Baby Jesus. As we read each day, I would sing "Happy Birthday Jesus", when we got to the the last page (it was when baby Jesus was born). Now, each time we read it, she begins swaying automatically when we get to that particular part of the book, waiting for me to begin singing. Little does she know, that the page she gets so excited about; "Angels told the shepards, Jesus is Born, You'll find him lying in a manger", actually happened one night! The story of Christmas never gets old. We might just have to leave that Christmas book out all year as a reminder of how blessed we are to have such a Savior! Happy Birthday Jesus!

a little sneaky... :)

Playing with her new puzzle... Trying out the light switch on her Laugh and Learn Kitchen...

Opening presents at Mimi's house on Christmas Eve... Stella's stocking at Mimi's...so cute... Opening presents at Alanna's house....

Stella patted her new baby's back for a long time at Nena's house on Christmas Eve... :)

Let the fun begin!

The past few weeks have been busy around our house. Here are a few pictures to capture the fun!

Here's Stella in her Christmas dress reading "Frosty the Snowman" in front of the Christmas tree. She LOVES reading this book. She'll turn the pages and sway back and forth until somebody starts singing!

Going to church the Sunday before Christmas.

We went to visit the Billy Graham Library. Stella was really excited to see the live animals at the nativity scene. She hasn't gotten the "baa" sound yet, so each time we would see an animal she would "woof woof" like a dog. oh well! :)

Stella moved into her big girl seat this month!
Baby Grayson is here! Congratulations Russell and Kristen!

Trying to get a smile out of the girls with their Christmas presents they had given each other. I don't think we had ever seen them so still, for so long, since they were little babies! So sweet!
Jake opening his firetruck!

Stella seemed to like Bethany's gift...she didn't seem in mind :)

Stella meets Santa

Stella met Santa at Birkdale...he didn't say "Ho Ho Ho" or even "Merry Christmas"...but I was sure to tell him on the way out to bring us lots of presents! She didn't cry, but you could tell she wasn't real sure about this strange man holding her...

All Done!

Stella's surgery went well. It was a little rough at the beginning with no food or drink, and lots of weird people giving you medicine you've never had before in an unknown place...

The doctor said it was completely clogged, so it was a wise decision to have the procedure. Things could be a lot worse, and we are so thankful for a healthy baby.

Here are some pictures I managed to take while waiting in the Pre-operating room.

Stella in her gown with teddy bears. The mark on her forehead was to indicate which eye was to be "probed". Her little hospital bands on her ankle...

Say a Prayer

Stella goes for her surgery tomorrow to correct her clogged tear duct. She can't have anything to eat or drink after 12:00 tonight, and the surgery is scheduled for 9:00 in the morning. (We have to be there at 7:30). It's a 30 minute procedure. Say a prayer for Mommy and Daddy too :)

Is She Asleep?

Stella was so sleepy this morning and ready for her morning nap. I closed the door and just knew she would be asleep quick. About 20 minutes later, I heard her talking, so I opened her door, and this is what I saw... :) priceless

One Year Photo Shoot

Here are some of our family/Stella's one year pictures my friend Lucy took a couple of weeks ago. There are more, but these are some of my favorites. She did a great job of capturing Stella's "looks" and personality so well...

For more of Lucy's work, visit http://www.lucyparkerphotography.com/

My Baby is ONE!

Well, the big day finally arrived! Stella turned a year old on December first! She is, we think, the sweetest baby in the whole world! :) It was the perfect day with her friends and family. Here are some pictures from her party.

My little family...

Haven and Bethany liked helping with the presents...so cute!

Our attempt to get a picture of Stella's friends...

Levi played the Happy Birthday song while we all sang...

Here are some of the sweets... the cute little cupcake bite...with chocolate cake inside... my favorite

Her first cake!

Sweet polka dotted liners from http://www.bakeitpretty.com/

Wendy with http://www.mcswaindesign.com/ created the oh so cute birthday tags that matched the theme of the party...not real sure why the picture looks a little distorted...