Partay at Zoe's Crib

What a great day! We had a back yard full of family and friends to celebrate Zoe's first birthday. We have pictures and videos galore. There were friends that had not met Zoe yet, and people we had not seen in over a year. It was wonderful to celebrate this landmark event surrounded by so many people. Enjoy the slide show!

First Birthday photos

We had a wonderful day! The three of us got up went out to brunch at IHOP (our favorite brunch place was closed for remodeling). Opened presents. Mama got Zoe a Lil Tikes car. Cousins Samantha and Maggie got Zoe a Lil Tikes Kitchen. Then Grandma and Grandpa came over. They had gotten Zoe some Disney shares. So the got her a stuffed Mickey Mouse. She LOVED all of her new toys. Later we went out to dinner with Uncle Bob and Aunt Jackie at The Dead Fish Restaurant in Crocket.

To Zoe on your first Birthday

A year ago today, you were forced to take on physical, emotional and mental challanges that most babies are not expected to do - you were born before you were ready to be born. My body shut down on the both of us. We were seperated from the bond of the womb too soon with no birth right of passage or bonding time. We didn't even get to meet until 5 days after your birth.

Now, as I look back on that day and the 364 days since then, I am simply amazed and inspired by your spirit, your strength and your growth. You were breathing on your own with in 12 hours of your birth. Regulating your own temperature within 3 weeks. Came home practically the day you would have come home had you been born on your original due date. After that you have flourished... Lifted your head at 4 months, Rolled over at 5 months, sat up-right at 6 months, started eating solid foods at 6 1/2 months, pulled yourself up to a stand at 10 months. Once you start walking, you'll be trying to run!

You wake up every morning with a smile on your face. You hug and kiss me even when I don't ask for it. You continue to try to do tasks even when you've tried unsuccessfully before. It only takes you once or twice to stop doing something when it hurts and then you find ways to do it with out the hurt. Every day, something that amazed you yesterday still amazes you today. You freely laugh and squeal with excitment and cry without reservation.

These are things you just do, because that's what you do. Even as I am trying to teach you the ways of the world, you teach me about life and better ways in which I can live in it.

Thank you for being in my life, I don't know how I ever got along without you.

Mommy