Happy Birthday Stella Jolie!
The last year with our two girls has been the most exciting adventure! It has just passed by so quickly. Stella has such a different personality and demeanor from her sister. She's docile most of the time, except when she wants to do something her way - then comes firecracker! She's pretty serious about stuff. She has to consider someone pretty much a best friend before she'll really warm up to the person. She love, love, loves snuggling. We rock forever in her room at night...and sometimes when she tries to get up too early for this mama in the morning. She loves snuggling almost as much as she loves "Beary" the teddy bear. Which brings me to my next topic: "Beary." He (She? I don't know, Stella has never specified. :)" has been her self-proclaimed lovie since about 9 months old. He always hung out in her crib and one day she suddenly demanded that he come with her out of the crib and never leave her side. Pretty cute. Beary is kind of a pacifier of sorts. Ava had a couple lovie blankets, with the special tag that she loved to rub, but neither child has had a pacifier. Not that I didn't encourage them, because anything to help soothe a fussy baby is good in my book! They just always gagged on pacifiers, even the tiny ones, so they each found their own "paci" and to my surprise neither one chose her thumb!
Stella is all over the place...although not walking alone, yet. She does a great job cruising, but hasn't actually taken steps on her own yet. She's so petite! Her pediatrician at her one year appointment said she was "hyper-flexible" and he didn't expect her to walk by herself until about 17 months. Fine by me! Let's not rush her baby-ness ... she's likely my last!! She's toughening up to her sister's less than fragile squeezes, kisses, & hugs. Such a little baby and such a big sister! At her one year appointment Stella was 18 lbs 4 oz. In the 20th %ile. I think. And she was somewhere between 30-40th %ile for length. This is September & she turned one in July... and I don't have my pediatrician supplied "blue book" on me for reference. She's somewhere on that scale of "small for her age." ;) And just for my reference...she's in 12-18 month clothes, size 3 diapers, take 2 naps a day, loves her bedtime bottle, and says "da-da" "uh-oh", plays peek-a-boo, gives hi-fives, waves goodbye, plays pat-a-cake, loves food (everything except meat so far), and understands the meaning of "No-no" and hates to hear it! :)
Funny how the dynamics have changed from the first child to the second. I could've recalled how long Ava's naps were down to the minute when she was one year old. I could've named every food she'd ever eaten up to her first birthday. There's something awesome that takes place after the 2nd child (and I'm sure to a greater degree with each proceeding child) and I don't know how to describe it. It's not just a lack of time which has left me less time to pay attention to the little details. I give greater attention to the interactions & relationship between my girls. I savor every minute of their laughter together, their protectiveness of each other, their hair pulling of each other, their games together, their scuffles over mommy and daddy's lap & attention. These things really stick in my mind. In seeing and experiencing all of these things every day, I also pray for their relationship and friendship to remain and carry into their adolescense, adulthood, and beyond. I pray they will always share such a sweet sisterly bond that no one person or worldly thing will ever sever. I get all mushy when I talk about these little people... :)
We had a fun summer birthday party for Stella-bean. It was as hot as it could be outside, so we bunkered down in the a/c with family & friends to celebrate. I have a feeling most of her birthday parties will be spent splashing in the water outside or in the coldest of air conditioners inside. July is getting HOTTER every year! Enjoy the pics...
Precious baby.
Daddy & his girls.
Me & my sweetums
Birthday babies always need help from big sisters for opening their presents. :)
Hello blue eyes!
Hmm...so you're saying this is all mine?
Yummy Granny - gimme more!
Time for clean up!
Come to think of it, I am getting thirsty...
Birthday's are fun!! :)
And the co-star of the party - the Cupcake Cake! Made by Granny.
