There And Back Again: A Mamma's Tale

Last night Darin and I pulled our little "minvan that could" back into our driveway after spending Christmas in Texas with my family. When Darin and I were newlier-wedded we used to think our periodic drives to Texas were rather romantic. That's mostly because when Darin and I were "dating" each other long-distance between Des Moines and San Antonio, we calculated the difference from his house (now my house!) to my parents' home to be just a hair over 1000 miles. Since we both loved the song "500 Miles" in which the singer declares to the girl he loves that he would "walk 500 miles" and then "walk 500 more to be the man who'd walk 1000 miles to fall down at her door", we loved the fact that there was 1000 miles between our homes. So driving there together has always been... you know... romantic!

Well, now that we have a doggie, a toddler and baby in our family, the drive to Texas is a little different. Adventurous? Absolutely. Exciting? Sure. Romantic? Not so much...

Our plan of attack to get to Texas was to drive the 12 hours to Dallas (where my big sis and her family are) straight through the night to keep the babies sleeping as much as possible. Even with the numerous stops for fuel, to nurse Collin and change diapers, that leg of the drive went beautifully. We were albeit, extremely tired when we arrived at 6 AM, but my children were received by a loving Aunt, Uncle and three doting cousins so Darin and I could nap a bit. We had a blast staying with my family there for a couple days. It was awesome for Collin to meet his cousins and uncle-he'd already met Kelly when she visited us back in October!

Here's Lucy with her new pal, Shawnee, the newest four-legged addition to Kelly and Greg's household!

After a couple days, we contined our southward trek to San Antonio in broad daylight. All I'll say regarding the five hour drive, is that the portable two-screen DVD player we bought on black friday proved to be a great investment. Lucy tolerated the time in the carseat with the help of "Baby Siging Time" and "Miss Patty Cake". : )

Christmas in San Antonio was special for so many reasons. It was awesome to finally introduce Collin to my brother, as well as my grandparents, aunt, uncle and cousins there. Lucy had a great time playing with "Grandpa", "Mamma Gail" and "Uncle Paul" and seeing the other extnded family again as well. It was also special to spend time with the church family I grew up with and participate in the Christmas Eve service there.

Lucy checks out a present from Uncle Paul waiting for her on Christmas Morning!

Collin and Mamma Gail love on each other.

After a great time with family and mild temperatures in the 60s and 70s, we started our trek northward. An unforseen migraine and fever for Darin (that we now know was caused by strep throat!) caused us to forsake our ambitions of driving 17 hours straight through from SA to Des Moines and we crashed at my dear friend's home in Fort Worth overnight. The next morning we plowed ahead and drove the rest of the way home (12 hours), relying heavily on over-the-counter drugs (for Darin), coffee and more "Baby Signing Time" and "Miss Pattycake". We were all on the brink of insanity and over our threshold for fast-food and public potties when we rolled into Des Moines, but we made it.

Darin is unfortunately very sick and sleep-deprived and has had to spend all day in bed today. The babies and I were just happy to get bathed and spend last night and today at home with our regular beds, and familiar surroundings.

So, while this trip wasn't the "easy", light-hearted and romantic experience that Darin and I had in the first couple years of our marriage, having two beautiful children to make the crazy trip with is such a sweet dream-come-true, that it was absolutely worth the extra effort! We're so thankful for the safety that God granted us and the wonderful time of celebration with loved ones!

PS. -Wish we had better pictures to share. My parents and sister did a much better job capturing our time together on camera than Darin and I did!

Christmas

Yes, it has been a shamefully long time since I've posted. The longest I've ever gone between posts on the Knitting Hummel. With so many people using facebook, I've been keeping up with posting pictures there and just haven't taken the time to sit down and blog.

And unfortunately, I'm not even taking TOO much time to sit down to blog right now, but I at least wanted to spread a little Christmas cheer by sharing a picture of my and Darin's favorite Christmas presents (aside from the incredible gift of the Lord Jesus!).

We're packing up our minivan tomorrow night and driving to Texas to celebrate Christmas with my family! I can't wait to finally introduce Collin to my brother, brother-in-law, nieces, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins!! Should be a good time!

Random

Maybe these random tidbits will give you a smile... as they have me recently.

• The other day I was immobilized on the sofa feeding Collin (as I often am) and heard Lucy in the other room "playing" with Collin's infant swing. Sounded innocent enough so I took my time with Collin and finally headed to the swing to check on Lucy. This is what I found:

• I drank water from a sippy cup all morning. We were out and Lucy was uninterested in her cup. I, on the other hand, was quite thirsty and didn't have my own water with me, so...



• Darin and I are thinking that Minnie the pup has come to terms with Collin's arrival and has given him her "stamp of approval". What do you think?

• Lucy has started to put her fingers in her ears during Collin's crying spells (which are much more frequent and of longer duration than Lucy's ever were). Not sure how she came up with the idea of doing this as I'm sure she's never seen anyone else do it. Pretty cute.



• Collin's has started to smile for the camera.

• Fall has arrived and we are all enjoying daily playtime in the backyard.
  
  
• Tomorrow is the one year anniversary of Lucy's "Adoption Day" in court. We're so blessed by her presence in this family.
  

I've Been Needing a Good Laugh

And I just got one. Thought I'd share it with you...

Lucy Walks!

Well, at 16 months, Lucy has finally made her walking debut! So without further ado....

Also, since I just can't help myself, I'll throw in a cute pic of my sweet Collin.

That's about all I have energy for in this post. Love to you all!

Parents

My mom and dad got on the road to make their 16-hour drive (no stopping overnight) to come help us when they found out I had gone into labor. They arrived at our home at about 5:45 AM on Friday, July 3rd and were by our side until they left this morning at 7:00 AM. While I stayed in the NICU with Collin, Darin and my mom alternated staying overnight with me- helping with unglamorous aspects of my recovery and supported me while caring for Collin. When my dad and mom weren't at the hospital, they worked with Darin's parents caring for Lucy and helping her through her time away from Mommy. Then when Collin was released from the NICU, my parents continued to help me take care of myself, cooked, cleaned, helped Darin and I take care of Lucy and Collin among MANY other things.

It was so hard to see them leave this morning... I miss them so much already, but it is with a grateful heart that I said goodbye to them. There is nothing my parents wouldn't do for Darin and I and I am blessed to have their example as I now raise my own children.

Tonight, Darin's parents arrive with dinner in tow and their servants' spirit to continue to help for awhile with our adjustment to being a family of four. This will be especially helpful as Darin has just started his new job and I am missing him very much. The blessings just keep overflowing and I am so thankful for how God has provided for us through our parents.

Finally Some Pictures!

Well, Collin and I have been home now for four full days. I am feeling better everyday and I am so thankful to be home with Darin, Lucy and my parents who are here from Texas for one more day and night. (What a blessing to have had them here since Friday of last week!).

I thought you all would appreciate a few pictures!

A rare moment with his eyes open during his week-long hospital stay.

Snuggling with Mommy.

Lucy and Mommy have a short visit in the NICU lobby. Boy did I miss her!

At home! Lucy and Collin meet for the first time.

Some good father-son time.

The one question everyone seems to have these days is how is Lucy doing and what does she think about her baby brother... to answer that question I feel she is doing exceptionally well considering everything that has gone on. Honestly, I think that the week that she and I were separated might have been harder on her than meeting Collin. Regarding him and what she thinks of him, it seems that her main frustration is that she can't have as much access to yank, swat and grab at him as she feels entitled to. : ) The adjustment for all of us will be gradual.

In other news, God has provided a job for Darin as the general manager of the Des Moines branch of a civil engineering firm. (They have several locations throughout the midwest.) Please pray with us as he has his first day tomorrow. Lots of changes happening for our family all at once, but we know we can trust God and rejoice in the roles He wants us to have in His plans.

Don't know when I'll be posting on here again, but hope you enjoyed this. I've appreciated the many phone calls, e-mails and Facebook comments we have received from so many of you since Collin's birth. Most of all we appreciate your prayers and words of encouragement. We feel deeply blessed by the family and friends God has provided in you!

Collin Ezra

For those of you who haven't heard the news yet, my sweet little man was born on Thursday, July 2nd at 5:19 PM. He weighed and measured 8 lbs 80z and 22 1/4 in.

During my delivery stage of labor, I developed a fever of 102 F and little Collin's heartrate shot up. As a result, immediately upon birth he was whisked away to the NICU where he'll stay at least until this coming Thursday to receive 7 days worth of IV antibiotic. He Also had a fever when born so there is a suspicion that he has an infection (the same I had apparently developed in my uterus) and it is too risky to send him home before 7 days worth of tests and medication.

I was discharged last night (Saturday, the 4th) and have moved into Collin's room with him so I can establish nursing with him. Currently my mom is staying with me and Collin here to assist me with my recovery, as not much is available in the way of bathrooms and other amenities that I'd have at home. Please pray for us- I'm getting used to the idea that this is my only way to spend time with my new son in his first few days here.

I can't speak on my cell phone or log onto this computer unless I am outside of the NICU in the lobby, so my communication may be a bit limited. You can leave messages on my phone or e-mail and I will eventually get them. Please call or e-mail or try to get in touch with Darin if you have interest in visiting here. I'm pretty tired right now and trying to sleep when Collin sleeps.

I'm sorry I'm not able to post pictures yet. We'll try to soon.

Girlfriends, Father's Day and Short Hair

The past few days have been pleasant ones when I'm able to get my focus off of the late pregnancy discomforts! Even though the summers here don't compare to the ones I grew up with in South Texas, Iowa does get its fair share of hot muggy weather and these days seem to have suddenly arrived. I'm so grateful for our comfortable air-conditioned home right now!

There are a few other things on my mind lately that I've been grateful for. I consider them all to be blog-worthy, so allow me to share...

My Girlfriends

All last week, I knew that Darin's sister was coming by to pick up Miss Lucy on Thursday evening for a fun aunt/niece outing! Lucy loves to spend time with and be spoiled by Aunt Dawn who likes to take her to the mall and get her dinner at Chick-Filet and play on the soft-play area! Darin suggested that we use the opportunity for a date-night, and this soon-to-be mama of two didn't need much convincing to agree to the idea.

You can imagine my surprise when we arrived at the restaraunt Darin picked and the hostess escorted us to a table where four close girlfriends were waiting to surprise me with a fun girls night out to celebrate the soon arrival of Baby Boy. After I adjusted to my shock, Darin kissed me on my cheek, set the camera next to me on the table and made his exit! After a fun time of great conversation and a delicious meal, the girls and I headed to the nearest mall to go to The Gap and pick out a cute new shirt for me that is NOT maternity! How fun! I felt so blessed and supported by my friends. It's these gals (and many others who were not able to be present) that have offered so much encouragement and prayer as we hoped for a child and then witnessed the Stevensons grow from a family of two to four!

Thank you, Ladies!

Lucy's Daddy

Father's Day was pretty low-key this year and Darin was such a good sport "going with the flow" on a day that is set aside to honor him as a father. I approached the day and its activities with a "let's just see what I'm up for" kind of mentality. After a relaxed breakfast, church, a trip to Lowe's, going through the Wendy's drive-thru and a nap for all of us, we made a spontaneous trip to the closest public swimming pool and had a great time splashing in the cool water. I loved watching Lucy play with her daddy and have so much fun with him. Darin has taken to be a daddy more naturally than I think he ever expected! It is such a joy to be his wife and parent with him!

My Hair Grows Fast

I went on Saturday to get my hair trimmed. It needed it and I figured it be easeir to do it now than wait a few weeks when I have a newborn. Somehow my hair ended up much shorter than I intended it. I think I'd really love this short bob if Ihad my pre-pregnancy figure. But I'm feeling rather "pear-shaped" at the moment and the short hair is only adding to narrow on top pear-look. Oh well. My hair grows exceptionally fast and it is easier to do in the mornings (much less time spent with the hair-dryer). After lamenting my short do on facebook I had many demands for pictures, so I'll share one here. I'm making peace with it, and since the initial disgruntled-phase, I've even had a few moments where I've thought it was cute.

Well, I hope you have a great day and find many things to be grateful for!

Getting Prepared

So I'm definitely having compulsions to clean and organize my home and life that I don't normally have. This is partially hormonal, but I know it is also mental to an extent because I was the same way as I was waiting for Lucy to join our family. It's a different ball game to simply prepare the house for one new baby versus now, preparing ourselves AND Lucy for the new addition. It is requiring me to attempt to organize in ways that are challenging to me. Organizing just doesn't come naturally to me. But little by little plans are coming together. Aside from enlisting friends and family to be "on-call" to come care for Lucy whenever we must head to the hospital, I'm also just trying to spend as much quality time with Lucy as possible since her little life is about to be turned upside down! She is such a delight and is trying new things all the time:

I recently ordered this adorable wooden push-walker from Amazon (a really great source for quality educational toys... I've discovered this through my mom!). We've had it for awhile and she was really reluctant to use it at first, but now she can't get enough of it! After she takes several strides we'll cheer for her and she'll let go and balance herself long enough to clap for her accomplishment. It's fun seeing her gain more courage with her gross motor skills and to be so pleased with herself when she has success.

Lucy has also taken a greater interest in her baby dolls which is fun. As you can see above, mainly her interest is in biting them, but she also enjoys giggling and doing the sign language for "baby" when I hand her one.

Well, I think I'll go and spend time with my sweet girl now rather than continue to blog about her. But before I do, I thought that in light of my last post, I'd share the most recent belly pic (at least for my mom and sister!). We're getting closer!! : )

Eating My Words

If you've talked much with me about the pregnancy, you have heard me confidently predict that I am expecting to go at least ten days past my due date, and no, it doesn't matter what YOU may think, there's no way I'll be giving birth prior to my due date (July 7th). I've been predicting a July 17th birth.

Hmmm. I may be singing a different tune now. Yesterday my doctor estimated the baby's current weight at 6 lbs 8 oz and said he wouldn't be surprised if I gave birth two weeks from now. What?! He also predicts that if I make it to the due date to expect him to be in the 9 lb range. I have many friends who have given birth to babies this big and they have survived, but you know, I had the privilege of witnessing 6 lb 14oz Lucy's birth and that didn't look like a picnic! Since neither me nor my siblings were even in the 8 lb range at birth, I've been assuming I'd be in line with my genetics when it came to my baby's birth weight. Now it's looking like I'm inheriting Darin's genes when it comes to birth weight.

So, for all of those who have listened to me tout my over-confident predictions that I won't be giving birth to this baby until mid to late July, I am officially eating my words. I am now rooting for late June.

Dream Nursery # 2

Many of you have seen/heard about the nursery we were able to put together for Lucy as we were awaiting her arrival. With the artistic abilities of two of the high school girls from our church, we were able to transform Lucy's room into the whimsical world of A.A. Milne's children's poetry books (When We Were Very Young and Now We Are Six).

Well, for Baby Boy Stevenson, we decided to try to transform his room into the Curious world of everyone's favorite monkey, George! : ) We hired Bre once again and I've been doing my best to sew and search for bargains here and there to put together "Curious George" colors for bedding and other decor in the room. It doesn't have all the finishing touches yet, but I wanted to share pictures of his room so far, because every time I walk into the room it puts a smile on my face! I thought you might be able to share the joy with me!

If You See Me Wearing Your Sunglasses, Let Me Know

I have a really cute pair of sunglasses that I bought in New York City this past Fall. I have become quite accustomed to wearing them and I recently misplaced them. I have high hopes that I'll find them and wear them again soon.

Back in September, we had a big party here at our house-Lucy's Adoption Day party. We had over 50 guests and one them (I've never figured out who) left a pair of sunglasses here. They are also cute.

I've been holding onto them, hoping that we'll eventually find their owner, but we haven't yet. So since I'm missing my own pair, and this cute mystery pair has been here for about 8 months, I'm going to start wearing them.

But before I do, I felt I should just post this disclaimer. If you see me wearing your sunglasses, there was no shady behavior on my part as to how I obtained them. And, I'll give them right back to you as soon as you make the connection that they are yours. I promise.

Daddy and Daughter

It has become plain to me in recent weeks that Darin is Lucy's favorite. She pretty much thinks her daddy is the greatest thing since sliced bread and I love it. When I work with her on learning to say "Daddy" and "Mommy", I love how no matter what I try to get her to say, it always comes out, "DAHD". And if the word "daddy" is mentioned in conversation, she'll immediately start scanning the room for Darin (if he's present) and catch his eye and flash him a grin. Pretty sweet!

I thought I'd share a few pictures that seem to capture their relationship... enjoy!

She doesn't see why her daddy's nap should stand in the way of a good bonding opportunity:

On Mother's Day, Darin decided to try his hand at doing Lucy's hair. He concluded that he is more than glad to let me continue as Lucy's primary hair caretaker.

This is Darin's current favorite toy of Lucy's... I think he hopes to instill that it's fun to swing a hammer.

She's always interested in Daddy's latest remodling project.

Loving Spring

Step outdoors in Iowa right now, and you'll find the world is green, blooming and beautiful. It very well may have been the best spring yet for my beloved crabapple tree in the six (!) years I've lived here:

Although Miss Lucy has been an incredibly easy-going baby and toddler, one thing we noticed from the time she was a newborn, was that during her rare fussy moments being outdoors has always seemed to calm and soothe her. That didn't do us much good in the winter months around here, but these days (especially as the little munchkin is becoming more active and taking more tumbles and spills around the house) it's been nice to once again have a dependable way to instantly cheer her up.

With only two months left of my pregnancy, I feel like I am keeping in step with springtime myself-"blooming" right along with the flowers and trees. I'm preparing our own little "nest" to welcome our sweet baby boy by gathering special items for his nursery and working on some knitting and sewing projects for him-my favorite being a cuddly 100% cotton blanket-a boy version of a blanket I made for Lucy years before she was ever born.

When I made Lucy's blanket, I didn't know who I was making it for. I was a new knitter and just liked this particular pattern. During the two years of hoping and praying for a child I held on to this blanket once I completed it. There were plenty of opportunities to give it to other baby girls born to friends of mine but I just couldn't bring myself to part with it-I was holding onto it in faith that it might belong to my own child someday. Now I'm so glad I did!

Newborn Baby Lucy with the blanket that waited a long time to welcome her into her family:

Now I can't believe that I am putting the finishing touches on the blue version of the same blanket-awaiting the arrival of yet another sweet blessing and answer to prayer:

This spring has also been beautiful to me because it is marked by my anticipation of his arrival. Can't wait to meet him and introduce him to you!

Walk for Life 2009

The experience of adopting Lucy had profoundly grown my and Darin's hearts to find ways to care for women who find themselves in unplanned pregnancies. Lucy's birthmother has a wonderful family and set of friends who gave her the support and encouragement she needed to be healthy and well-provided for during and after her pregnancy. Seeing how much support she had, made me sad to think of how many women in this situation do NOT have the support they need. Now that I am experiencing pregnancy myself, I've often pondered how frightening it would be if I didn't have Darin, my family and the financial stability that I am blessed with at this time.

In the past year I have had the privilege to get involved as a volunteer with Ruth Harbor, a local ministry (right in my own neighborhood!) that provides housing and other support for women in this situation. Women who live in the Ruth Harbor house during their pregnancy, live in a beautiful Christ-centered environment with a house-mother and father. They receive education and support on parenting or placing for adoption, as well as counseling, assistance with finding employment and spiritual guidance. They recieve all of this at no cost.

As I have been involved with Ruth Harbor as a volunteer for several months now, I can't tell you how much I believe in what this ministry is doing. Ruth Harbor doesn't receive government funding to ensure that there will not be any limits on their opportunities to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with their residents. On Saturday, May 9th, Lucy and I will be participating in Ruth Harbor's 2009 Walk for Life- a 2-mile walk in Des Moines that is one of their largest annual fundraisers.

Would you be willing to sponsor me as a participant in the walk with a one-time donation to Ruth Harbor? It is just a flat donation (not per mile) that we are looking for. Unfortunately, Ruth Harbor is not able to receive donations by credit card through their website, but you can make a pledge by e-mailing me the amount you wish to give and your home address and Ruth Harbor will contact you by mail to collect your donation. Or you may send your dontation directly to me and I will get it into the right hands.

To set up your donation or pledge, please e-mail me at erikajoyfuljourney@yahoo.com and I will personally work the details out with you.

Also, to learn more about the walk and this valuable ministry, click on the Ruth Harbor logo located on the right column of the screen!

Overdue

Again, there has been a long absence between this and my last post. There are a few reasons for this:

• During the day most of the time lately, Darin is needing the computer to concentrate on his job search efforts. The job hunt is seeming just a little more important than the need to keep my blog updated! : ) I'm so proud of my hubby and all the hardwork he is putting into the search. He's been making contacts with lots of local colleagues and today he even had phone interview with a great company for postion that we are quite interested in.
  
• Lucy seems to have "blossomed" in the last few weeks and has become a mobile, inquisitve little explorer of all nooks and crannies in our house. It just isn't that feasable to sit down in front of the computer for even small chunks of time, as my active girl needs her mamma's watchful eye and arms to keep her from electrical outlets, doggie food and stairways. It is so fun to observe her learning and discovering her little corner of the world!
  
• My pregnancy is continuing to be healthy and smooth, however I am just entering my third trimester, and my energy is becoming more limited. I'm feeling the need to "take advantage" of Lucy's naptimes lately by getting some housework done, taking the time to sit and work on a knitting or sewing project for Baby Boy, or allowing myself the luxury of a nap of my own.
  

So please pardon the absence! I thought I'd catch you up today with a few pictures. Enjoy!

Here are a few of Lucy's new favorite hobbies:

Helping Mommy sort through newborn clothes in preparation for her baby brother's arrival:

Crawling over to various drawers, pulling herself up and dropping pacifiers and toys into them:

Giggling with and talking to her reflection in the oven door:

Helping Mommy do the dishes:

She continues to be such a cheerful little girl and Darin and I just enjoy her more and more all the time. What a sweet blessing she is!

Here are a few pictures from Easter:

Looking pretty in her Easter dress:

A special moment with Daddy:

A giggle with cousin Savannah:

The four of us:

Lucy's first "Easter Egg Hunt":

Oh Boy!

Well, I've dangled the fact that we know Baby Stevenson's sex over you long enough...

I am so happy to share with you that in July we will be meeting our SON!! We would of course have been more than thrilled with another girl, but we are just pretty tickled to have both.

Everyone seems to talk about how much fun it is to pick out cute clothing and such for baby girls. And I agree, I've had more than my fair share of fun picking out things to make or purchase for Miss Lucy. However, I am here to tell you that it is ALSO fun to pick out cute things in BLUE!

While in Texas, I hit a jackpot at a brand new baby and children's resale shop and was able to stock up on some inexpensive boy items. I've also enjoyed frequenting the sales racks at Target and Baby Gap as well as digging out Lucy's few itty bitty gender-neutral outfits from newbornhood. It's fun to envision all these cute things on her brother!

Surprises

I have been shamefully absent from The Knitting Hummel for almost a month now! I'm sorry for the long wait for a new post.

A lot of fun things have happened in the past month that would all be fun to blog about... for example: we now know the sex of Baby Stevenson #2 (but I'll be mean and make you wait a little longer before I announce that here!), Lucy and I just spent a week in Texas visiting my family (I'll also make you wait just a bit before I post pictures from that trip), my sister and her husband (in partnership with his brother) are now in business roasting and selling fair-trade coffee from all over the world (www.marksbrotherscoffee.com) and we've been having some nice spring-like weather here in Des Moines that has been oh-so delightful and blog-worthy.

However, before jumping in and posting details of all these, I'm feeling the need to take a few minutes to meditate a bit on the "surprises" that Darin and I have experienced in the past few years.

I put the word surprise in quotations, because I've been thinking about how the things that come as "surprises" to us are no surprise to God. There may be unknowns for us but there are no unknowns for Him!

I'm currently pondering...

... it was a surprise to us that we'd have difficulty becoming parents in the way and timing we had perhaps expected, but it wasn't a surprise to God!

... it was a surprise to us that after approximately 24 months of hoping for a child, that we'd learn with 3 months notice that Lucy would join our family, but it wasn't a surprise to God!

... it was a surprise to us that I would end up pregnant with our second child only 7 months after welcoming our first into the family, but it wasn't a surprise to God!

And most recently, it was a surprise to us that Darin was suddenly laid off from his job three days ago (Monday of this week) but I'm finding peace in the fact that it is no surprise to God. The outcomes of the past surprises we've experienced so far as a family, have been beautiful and better that what we "planned". We believe it will be no different in this circumstance.

We would appreciate your prayers, though, for continued peace and direction for our future.


"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"

Matthew 6: 25-26

The Birthday Girl

What a special day it has been today celebrating the most special little lady in my and Darin's life!! Lucy Kiera is one-year-old today!

I'm wiped out after a long day of celebrating, so I think I'll mainly share pictures with you in this post! Enjoy:

Playing the piano with Cousin Savannah as the festivities start:


Let the present-opening begin!


Discovering what surprises Mama Gail and Grandpa sent!


To honor Lucy on her birthday we ALL ate her favorite foods (mashed potatoes, mac-n-cheese, yogurt, grapes, lunch meat and cheese!!):

The birthday song:

The very first cupcake is a momentous occasion in a little girl's life!

The birthday girl has happily drifted off to dreamland and all is well. We are so thankful for the wonderful priviledge of being Lucy's parents and for a wonderful first year with her.