Saturday night

After the birthday party, Maggie and Drew came over to bring Annabelle a birthday present. As you can see, Drew and Jackson were more into the present than Annabelle. She could barely get to her present. After that, the kids got to play in the playhouse and Maggie got Annabelle to take some steps. After Annabelle walks, we always clap and cheer for her. She loves some praise!

Big brother cheering on some of Annabelle's first steps.

Jackson trying to give Drew a hug.

Clapping for herself.

Birthday Party

Saturday, we went to Bellamy's first birthday party. Bellamy and Annabelle were in the hospital together when they were born. We had a big time!

SUPERBOWL Sunday

Poor Daddy had to fly out of town on Superbowl Sunday. It is the third week in a row for out of town business meetings. He will be home today. We are so glad this is the last one for a while. We miss him!

Superbowl Sunday it was too cold to go outside to play so we put up Annabelle's princess tent and watched movies. Jackson decided he really wanted to help me with chores. Here he is folding laundry and below is the pile that he folded. He was so cute trying to help and he was so proud of himself.

That afternoon, we headed to the Leach's for Superbowl Sunday. There was lots of kiddos at the party. It was all boys and our sweet Annabelle. She can definitely hold her on. She was right in the middle of it all. Jackson and Cy had a blast as usual chasing each other around and playing basketball. They are so cute!

Annabelle walking

Our little Valentine is WALKING!

On her actual birthday she followed in her brothers footsteps (no pun intended!) and took her first few steps. She took a few more on Saturday night when the neighborhood kids stopped by to play. Then, last night we were at a Superbowl party and Annabelle took off. At least two separate times she took four or more steps. We had lots of people counting for her! I wasn't sure how long before the next steps. But, this morning before school she took off again, grinning the whole way. I guess we have a walker!

Annabelle's Birthday Celebrations!

Yes, plural. We have been celebrating Annabelle's birthday for the last 48 hours. Here is a run down of the events of the last two days. On Thursday (her actual birthday) we had a birthday breakfast, the kids went to school, and Russell and I came home to put together her birthday gift. We picked the kids up from school early to come home and play. That night, the Leach's came over for dinner. On Friday, we took Annabelle to her 12 month doctor check-up. In the afternoon, she had her class birthday party and, Friday night, was her family birthday dinner.

Today we have a birthday party to go to and next weekend, we have one more birthday celebration in store for Annabelle. I'll admit, I am a little tired. But, it is so worth it!

Birthday Breakfast

As much as Russell gets annoyed with my constant picture taking, even he was trying to savor the moment by getting a picture of the birthday girl on his phone.

I really want to try and make birthday's special for my babies. What better way to start off the day with a special breakfast. Although we may pick up breakfast, we never go out for breakfast as a family. So, for Annabelle's birthday, we went to the donut shop that we love. Annabelle had her first donut and she ate every bite. Jackson got his favorite, chocolate covered donut holes with sprinkles. The owners put on cartoons for the kids and even sent us home with a bag full of donuts for Annabelle's birthday. It was such a nice way to start the day. I am hoping we make this a family tradition!

The princess and her castle

For her first birthday, our princess got her castle and her throne (translation: a playhouse and a princess chair). She loved it. She loves talking on the phone, cooking on the stove and ringing the doorbell. As much as she loves it, I think big brother loves it even more. I'm just glad they are so happy. At one point, all four of us were in the playhouse. It was so cozy!

Birthday dinner with the Leach's

On the night of Annabelle's birthday, Lubbock Country Club was having Fight Night. So, daddy and Rick went to that since it is some big deal. Amanda brought Cy and Baby Ryan over for dinner. The kids had a blast and loved eating cupcakes. By the end of the night, they were exhausted so the mommies had an easy job of getting the kids to sleep!

12 month doctor check-up

Annabelle is a healthy girl. She weighs 23.1 pounds and is 30 inches long. She is in the upper 70/80th percentiles. Poor baby had to get 3 shots but she handled it like a trooper. While we were in the waiting room, a lady stopped me and said "she is just gorgeous." Made my heart melt!

Class Birthday Party

Friday afternoon, I took pumpkin chocolate chip muffins to Annabelle's class. When I got there she was still asleep from afternoon naptime. She had been asleep for over 2 hours. I think it was the shots.

Family Birthday Dinner

Birthday dinner, round two. I made sure to include one of Annabelle's favorites - oven baked tator tots. Of course, she loved her cupcake. Not to self: no more hot pink icing until her Sweet 16! What a mess!

Happy 1st Birthday Annabelle!

Ride the horsey!

Jackson loves to sit on our lap and bounce up and down. He screams "ride the horsey, ride the horsey!" Now that Annabelle is older, she wants in on the fun. Hey, at least it is a good workout.