Baylee had a birthday, shout HOORAY!

Baylee had her big first birthday this last week- I can't believe she's already ONE! I took a little while to think back to the day she was born, and remember what a sweet moment it is to have a brand new baby- there is no way to explain the feelings of seeing your baby for the first time and holding them in your arms.

The delivery was very fast but incredibly traumatic for me since the epidural didn't work and for some reason I would not let myself push her out. After the doctor raised his voice at me to calm me down and get me to focus she came right out. I cried, I haven't cried with any of the other babies, but I know part of it was the pain and it being so worth every minute (if I had to go back, of course I would choose for the epidural to work though.) There were so many emotions! I immediately flashed back to the struggles of staying pregnant, and the heart ache and frustration that went with that. I also remembered the feelings of thinking we weren't going to have any more kids, and the confirmation I had when I took the pregnancy test with Baylee and KNOWING this baby was ours to keep.

So I think that first moment of holding her was just full of thankfulness. Thankfulness of the trials I went through to have empathy with others, thankful for the growth which Darrell and I had through the miscarriages, thankful for the support and love of friends and family, and so incredibly thankful to have a tiny squirmy baby in our arms.

So back to the big celebration! We meant to do a little party for her while in Las Vegas, but it was very busy and it slipped our minds. We had a little family party with pizza, cake, ice cream, and presents. She did not have a clue what was going on, but she thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it!

She was still on Las Vegas time for a few days when we got home- this picture was her and Carly just waking up a almost 11:00! We planned on celebrating over the weekend.

She loved her pizza and ate close to a half piece! She didn't like the feel of it though, and would make the funniest faces when she touched it.

She LOVED LOVED LOVED her cake! As you can see in the pictures- she got as much as she could in her mouth and on the highchair. She cried for an hour later- I think she had a stomach ache.

If you look close you will see she is saying she is one- I have been trying so hard to get her to show people how old she is and she will not perform!

She understood that in each bag was a fun toy- and she ripped the tissue paper out as quick as she could. She loves light up toys, books, and anything she can pull herself up on.

Happy birthday Bayzer! We love you!