Olivia's First Birthday and our vacation so far

We've had a great 2 days in the Outer Banks! Last night we had a little party for Olivia. Holly and my mom made pizza for dinner.
My mom holding Olivia (I wanted her tub-ready after the cake.) My mom's birthday is the day before Olivia's. I had Olivia at 1am so we missed it by one hour. The extra candles on the cake are for my mom.

She LOVED her cake!

Presents

Greta helped Olivia with the puzzle.

Uncle Bill and Addie
We've had some unruly weather. This didn't stop Greta and my dad from running on the beach.

Jon and Addie

Watching Olivia open presents. Your turn will come in June Addie:)

Adalaide Anne

Greta Grace

Addie has been pulling herself up and walking along furniture really well--it won't be long till she's walking!

When my parents, grandma, and sister's family arrived on Wednesday, the cousins had a great time playing together. Greta was outside and the 2 babies would have liked to have been as well.

Cousins

The eve of her birthday

I'm feeling a little sad tonight, knowing Olivia will be a year old tomorrow. I usually find myself mourning that she's growing, instead of rejoicing. I know she's at the age of discovery and wonder, but I already miss my baby. Exactly one year ago this hour, my water broke and we were on our way to the hospital. I'll never forget how I felt when they told us she was breech and they had to take her that night by C-section. I couldn't stop crying and shaking, even though it was a great experience overall. It was so wonderful to hold her within 3 hours of arriving at the hospital.

Here are a few pictures taken over the last week.

Standing

She took her first few steps over the weekend! We haven't recorded it yet, but hope to in the next week. This video shows her balancing skills.

We had an amazing 5 days in CA. Bill's sister Tifiny and brother-in-law Esteban live in Sun City. Most of these pictures are from our outing to La Jolla.
A Bugatti Veyron. The most expensive car I've ever seen in my entire life! (over a million $$)
This picture was taken for my cousin David. Consider it an early birthday present--the picture, that is.

Tifiny and Esteban show their true selves!

We watched the seals in La Jolla for quite a while.

Beautiful waves and 2 brave swimmers.

Uncle Ecky and Olivia

The six of us (can't wait till April 15th!)

Uncle Ecky and Olivia

Bill and Theo

Theo (short for Theophilus) is an amazing ragdoll kitty. He and Olivia eventually warmed up to each other.

Esteban hard at work

Olivia received an early birthday present

It had rained and the mountains were beautiful! I love seeing palm trees and mountains in the same view.

Worn out traveler

More dancing

Citrus

New loves: Oranges and Lemons

11 Months Old Today

Where has our baby gone? This is the only picture worth showing that I took today...mainly due to a very active baby. She's not quite walking, but her latest trick is grabbing a toy and then standing up from a sitting position without any help. Once she stands still, she realizes she's doing it and then sits back down. She loves cheese, yogurt, and sucking on orange slices. We're getting excited to go to CA to visit Tia and Uncle Ecky. We leave next Wednesday!! Last weekend Bill's parents came and we celebrated Vida's birthday. She may not like that I posted the cake picture because it's age-revealing. Vida- you look great!

Olivia and Grandpa Sprouse

Happy Birthday Grandma!

They gave Olivia her birthday present early and she loved playing with the tissue paper as well.

Olivia jamming

A few pictures from this week

She has 4 teeth now

Peaceful (Bill took this)

We've been holding off long enough. Our old chandelier was hideous and I found this at Lowes for $58. Couldn't pass it up!

Olivia helping Bill install the new light

A funny moment