Ansley Harper: 1 YEAR!

You've heard it all many times before from me...I can't believe how big she is, how time flies, it feels like it was just yesterday, and so on.  Well, in this case there are no other words for how quickly this last year has gone.  Our little girl is one.   As I think of the year in review, all I can do is cry.  After going through every test under the sun, infertility treatments, traveling to dr.'s appts., months and months and months of praying and crying out to God for a baby.  We had finally given it all up to the Lord, stopped all the medications and decided to wait on Him.  He had changed us to rely solely on Him...looking to Him for our guidance.  That's when His perfect plan was revealed and the timing was right in His eyes.  A year ago- on July 4, 2009 at 7:32 a.m.-Praise God, we got our baby!  Since that day our lives have been changed for the better and the extent of our joy is immeasurable.

She is every bit of perfect.

The apple of her daddy's eye.

Momma's little girl.

A good laugh after a hard day.

She warms our hearts completely.

A reason to celebrate God and His love.

She is an amazing little girl!

I wish they weren't so cliche, but they are all so true!

This final month before turning one she has changed daily right before our eyes!  This is what Ansley has been up to lately.

*You are talking more and more...these days you've been in squealy kind of mood.  I love to hear you talk when you're playing!

*You love your new baby dolls (all 3 of them).  You got them all at your birthday party, along with a stroller that you love to put all 3 babies in (hysterical).  They get lots of love and you usually talk their ear off!  You rock them, pat their backs, give them binkies...you're a good little momma.

*Your walking is getting steadier and steadier.  However, we still have our bumps and bruises.  We had one big fall at Pamaw and Pappaw's house that resulted in a bloody mouth (I was slightly freaked out by this, even working in the ER), but you recovered well!  Also, the day of the party you attempted a somersault on our basement floor...you were bruised in every birthday party pic, of course!  We've definitely learned how tough you are!

*When we ask you how old you are, you hold up your adorable little pointer finger with your thumb sticking out.  Ugh...so sweet!

*You love to lean your head back just so we tickle your neck.  We love to see your mouthful of teeth when you do this!

*You like humming and acting out itsy, bitsy spider and then clapping when we're done.

*You are 20 lbs. 12 oz (you weighed 20 lbs. at your 9 month appt.).  You wear 6-12 month clothes and size 4 shoe.  You are pretty average for your age :).

*We celebrated Aunt Whitney and Aunt Laura's birthdays (June 13th) this month.  You love both your sweet aunts!

*We celebrated Father's day with your daddy.  Before having you, I always knew what an amazing father he would be.  And he has definitely surpassed any expectations I had...we are extremely blessed to have him in our lives!  It is obvious that you are absolutely in love with him, as he is always able to put a smile on your sweet little face!

*When you want something you hold out your hand and say..."ugh?"

*You love to be chased!  We have to play this game at least once a day...you squeal with excitement.

*It is most precious sight when you suck your thumb and hold Dawson or Beatrice's ear.

*You are still sleeping around 12 hours a night, waking around 8:30.  Thank you, Ansley!

*We savor the moments when you snuggle or give us kisses.


Ansley, thank you for being the joy that you are!  We are so blessed to be able to care and love for you...you make it so easy!  We love everything about you...from your sweet curls and chubby cheeks to your short little legs and your long toes.  You are the best thing that has ever happened to us!