Annabelle Mei Turns 1

Annabelle turned one the day after we returned from Laos. In order to stay sane we decided to keep it to a low key family celebration. For me the day was full of remembering hour by hour the events of the wonderful day we got to meet tiny little Annabelle.

Annabelle officially took her first steps while we were waiting in a long taxi line at the Bangkok airport (how many people can say that?) We made a huge scene with wild clapping, come- to- mamas, and video taking. Her preferred mode of transportation is still crawling, but she can walk. Here she is loving her birthday gift which can be converted from walker to little car.

Thanks Aunt Christy for the sparkly pink Toms- what could be cuter?!

The kids and I had fun baking a rainbow cake for Annabelle. We were all curious what here reaction would be to her first introduction to sugar. She daintily dipped her finger in the frosting and. . .

a look of sheer delight spread over her face

Until mom decided to put this ridiculous hat on her head, yep the party's over. . .

Annabelle you truly bring so much joy to our lives. You have a cheeky little sense of humor and love any excuse to laugh. You get into absolutely everything, empty all the drawers daily and pull clothes over your head to play peek- a- boo. You  love playing with big kids and aren't afraid of strangers (except men with beards). You hate the fuss of having your clothes changed or your face wiped but you love a splashy bubble bath. Lately you think it is funny to make fake gagging noises and then laugh when I look at you with concern and panic. You have 12 teeth and can eat just about anything we eat, although some things you won't touch. You give the best cuddles after you nap and are a perfect angel in your daddy's eyes. We love you Annabelle Mei. Happy Birthday!