Annabella's 1st Birthday!

Our little Bels is one.  It's hard to believe that her birthday has come and gone,

but my goodness, it was a wonderful birthday weekend!

We had two parties for our birthday girl. Her first party was on Saturday, April 21st, and we invited family.  Annabella had the best time being passed from one set of loving arms to the next.  She is definitely a 'people person', and loves to make everyone laugh. 

Her second party was on Sunday, April 22nd, and we invited Brian's fellow 2nd year residents and our church small group.  It was fun to get the kids and adults all together to celebrate.  The party coincided with nap time a little bit, so Bellie was tired, but she didn't let that stop her from enjoying her birthday cupcake.

On Sunday morning (Annabella's actual birthday),  at around 7 a.m. I started reminding Brian of where we had a been a year ago at that exact moment. . ."Brian, we were on our way down to the labor and delivery floor", "Brian, I was in the operating room waiting for you to arrive", "Brian, the c-section started now".  It might have been a little over the top.  At 7:30, Brian, Annabella and I all snuggled in our bed and played while we waited for Annabella's birth time.  At 7:40 a.m. we sang "Happy Birthday" to Annabella and gave her kisses on her cheeks. It was a sweet moment that I don't ever want to forget.

My favorite 2011 birthday photo of our sweet Bels (holding onto her daddy's finger):

And what's a birthday without 396 pictures?  Scroll at your own risk, and don't say I didn't warn you. . . .

Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa with Annabella

Nichole, Cora, Robert, and Annabella

David, Annabella, and Great-Aunt Barbara

Mrs. Mary, Caleb, Lily, Annabella, and Mr. Jay

Grandpa, Grandmother, and the birthday girl

Uncle Paul with his 1-year-old niece

Uncle Chris, Bradley, Aunt Kristin, and AB

Grampa, Gramma, and our girl making her favorite silly face

AB and Nana

Annabella in her cool new rocking chair from Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa

Kisses from Cora.. .so sweet!

Some folks that are VERY loved, and a glimpse of the birthday decor

Uncle Robert and Auntie Jess with their favorite one year old

Annabella (and Mrs. Keri) are excited to meet Baby Boy in August/September!

Birthday cupcakes

Tower of cupcakes

We pray you have many, many more wonderful and healthy birthdays, Annabella Carol.  Thank you to all of our family and friends who traveled from near and far to celebrate with us.  Annabella is one blessed girl!  We appreciate ya'll spoiling Bels with your love and sweet gifts.  You all are too generous and kind!  Brian and I cannot adequately express how much we appreciate every single one of you.  Thank you, thank you!

Happy 1st Birthday, sweet Bels!