Lila Turns One!

First of all, I feel terrible that I don't blog more often. It is my only record of these busy, yet joyful, child raising years of life. I know I will regret not having written down more of the funny things the kids do and say, as well as my feelings as a mother. Once a month is just not enough. I will do better!

Second, I cannot, simply cannot, believe that my baby Lila is a year old! Never has the first year with any of my babies flown by this fast. I think it has been a combination of her easy going nature and the busy life with three older kids. She has been such a blessing to our family. When I found out I was pregnant with her I just prayed for two things: that she would be a good sleeper and that she would bring joy to our family. The Lord has certainly blessed me with that and more. I definitely feel that she has increased the joy around here. She is always smiling. She waves at us and dances for us and just generally aims to please. The kids love her, even Samantha, who has struggled getting used to being a big sister. I just can't imagine our family without her.

On Lila's birthday we had family over for dinner and birthday cake. I was surprised to see Lila dive into her cake the way she did. She really hasn't had any sugar yet and I wasn't sure what she would think of the taste. In no time at all, she decided it might be better to just stick her face down into the cake rather than try to get it in her mouth by hand. She obviously liked it. She seemed excited about her new found freedom until she realized her hands were dirty, which was not fun for her. Then, just as quickly as she enjoyed it, she was done with it. Comical.

Here are a few photos of her happy day. Sorry they are in reverse order. I guess I haven't figured that out yet.