Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from our family to yours. 

Luke 2:10-11, "But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."

I hope you each have a wonderful time celebrating the birth of our Savior with your family.

 

Merry Christmas Sneak-Peak

Since it's December 1st, I thought I'd post a sneak-peak Christmas picture.  I've always loved Christmas, but it's even more exciting with a child.  I'm so excited for Ansley to experience Christmas.  Although technically she was here last year, she pretty much slept through all Christmas festivities.   I am looking forward to sharing the true meaning of Christmas with Ansley when she is old enough to understand.  For now, here are some pictures that Kimberly G Photography took.  They didn't make it on the card this year, but it was too cute not to share.  I'll post the card after they have been mailed out.

Birthday Time!

Saturday was BIRTHDAY TIME!  One year old!  I feel like this year has been forever long and passed like the blink of an eye.  Is that even possible to feel both??  This year has been full of so much joy though.  It's been challenging at times, and I've definitely learned a lot about myself and life, but it's all been completely worth it.  I will say that being a mom makes you so grateful for everything your parents did for you.  I never knew I could love someone so much, and I can see why my parents were so protective of us.  :) 

The party was a lot of fun though, and Ansley had a blast.  She didn't dig into the cake as much as I thought, but she had a little taste.  We had a great turnout of family and friends, and I'm glad everyone as able to get together and celebrate Ansley. 

The cute invite for the party.

Kitchen area decorated for Ansley.

Ansley's smash cake.

Matching owl cookies for favors.

Pinterest inspired wreath.  (Please excuse my dying ferns...I've been a bad gardener).

Ansley's monthly pictures on the mantle.

Dinning room and food table.

My mom made her outfit.

My beautiful sister and her sweet Anabelle.

Asher and Layla with birthday hats on.

AG wasn't digging the hat.

She isn't walking yet, but it won't be too long.  She's getting more comfortable with standing and will stand without holding on more frequently.  This morning she did take 4 baby steps to get a toy, so hopefully she'll be moving around within the month.  (Am I really saying that!?!?)  She also still is toothless, but there is a little something trying to come through on the bottom.  I wish that tooth would come on...it's been teasing her for about 3 months now! 

I wanted to show how much she's grown in a year.  It's hard to remember just how small she was when she was born, but I was looking through the album from her birth, and I got a little teary thinking about how healthy she is and how much we are blessed with her growth and progress.  Thank you Lord for taking care of our sweet girl.

Ansley in the NICU just hours after her birth.

Ansley on her 1st birthday!

We love you, Ansley!  Happy Birthday!

One week from today...

Our sweet Ansley will be ONE next Saturday.  Where has the time gone?  Look at these monthly pictures to see how much she has grown over the past 11 months.  More posts coming soon about her birthday and celebration.  :)

 I can't wait to add her 12 month shot to the collection!