December

So this was going to be our Christmas card to show in a picture what we've done all year long--we grew a baby.  This is the stocking that the hospital put Aliyah in when they first brought her to us after being cleaned up.  I cannot believe how big she is.

We celebrated her first birthday!  We took her to work with Dave.  It was fun to have every class sing Happy Birthday to her--she loved the attention.  

We had family come and celebrate with us. 

She had lots of helpers to open her presents.

And received wonderful gifts.

One would think from looking at this picture seeing her reach for the cake and her incredible physique that she LOVED this part of the birthday festivities...

But you'd be wrong....

 Here are some things about Aliyah at one year:

Weight 21 lbs. 3 oz.

Loves songs and doing the actions to: 5 Little Monkeys, Popcorn Popping, Itsy Bitsy Spider

Fold her arms for prayer

Waves hello and goodbye

Says, "ahmmmmm" when taking a bite of food

LOVES mirrors--she's confident not vain!

Her first real crawling happened on her birthday

She is one happy content baby.  We love her dearly!!!

On to Christmas

Isn't this how every child feels Christmas morning after opening presents?

          Here's Aliyah post celebrations--happy and fat...er full!

And one more picture to leave a lasting impression...