One Year Old

**i had this mostly written before we left England, but am finally getting around to posting it. I am sure you were thinking we dropped of f the face of the Earth. Sorry for the absence.

The past few weeks have been a time of reflection for me. I have changed more as a person in the past year than I did in the previous 34. I thought I had everything all figured out...LOL. We weren't prepared for the impact she would have on our lives despite years of planning, praying, and hoping God would bless us with a baby. She has taught me more this past year than I have taught her. She has taught me to be less selfish, to be more patient, and how to let things go. I have a new passion for a more simplistic and natural lifestyle. She has fulfilled my true purpose in life...motherhood. Prior to Elsa, I was focused on my career. I used to allow my titles of Major, Doctor, and Surgeon to define me. I now realize how silly that was. Mom and wife are the titles God intended for me. Lets face it, there is no where I would rather be here on Earth than with my daughter and husband. I am more in love with my husband than ever before and we maintain our marriage as a priority. I have refocused my life, our life, on what is most important...trying to live out God's word in this fallen world. It can be overwhelming to think of all the challenges and temptations she will be confronted with. I hope Elsa will one day know our God and stay true to herself and her upbringing.

I love to ponder what Elsa will be in the future....

A Thinker???

A Talker???

Life of the party??

Here are some pics from our last few days in England. She LOVED feeding the ducks in a nearby village of Bury St. Edmunds.

Getting creative in entertainment. We have minimal furniture. Elsa loved crawling on the rolling duffel bag, so we took her for a spin around the house.
Having fun at the playground!!

And....her ONE YEAR Doctor visit with our friend Dr. Leigh!!

22 pounds 9 oz (75%)

30.5 inches tall (95%)

head: 48 (100%)--she's really smart :)

Elsa's First Birthday!!

This is way belated, but I am finally getting around to this post. I know I have said this before, but time is moving way too fast. I wish I could freeze time. But, then i would never know the joy of the future.

We held her party the week before the movers came. We hired Natalie to do photos during the event and hired a cake done....somethings i will do by myself in the future, but made my life so easy given the circumstances. It was more adult than kid. Had no theme (seriously, for a one year old...LOL). But, was fun none the less. Thank goodness for the Wii because we have absolutely NO kid-over-one-year-toys.

We attempted a mini photo shoot outside, but it was so windy. Elsa's hair was standing straight up!

Some of the kids playing the Wii

It was so funny to see how excited the other kids were about Elsa "smashing" the cake.

Cole giving Elsa some pointers

May 30th is a popular date for birthdays. Here is Ethan blowing out a candle. Our friends Katrina and Mark also have birthdays on this date as well.

The ladies man (cole) playing with Elsa and Savannah

A few of the ladies (Linda, Liz, Elsa, me, and Katrina)

Elsa was a little shy opening gifts...she didn't really open any by herself, but she loved the pink bow

Notice the new outfit. She had a record 3 baths this day.