Month of May

We started some water / bucket/ outside playtime this month and you are the world's biggest fan. Finally your skin is not so sensitive to grass and we can live an outside live again.

Evening time with your diaper and shoes on. This is now the only way you like to spend your evenings.

The only sad part is that Benny would love love love to be outside and play with you. He sits and whimpers as you come over and give him kisses through the screen.

Annabelle, our 15 month old princess. We love having this wonderful house with the pretty backyard that you love to spend time in. We love how meticulous you are with your water toys and your water play time. We can both see so much of ourselves in you. You still always like to clean up after yourself and have yet to be upset when we ask you to put away your toys. You are not a huge fan of having to go inside after such a lovely evening outside playing. I've noticed though how sweetly you spend extra time with Benny on certain nights like this. You are the most considerate person in this household and we are so blessed to have you.

Easter 2011

Easter was a weekend this year...as I'm guessing it will be every year. We were thankful enough to spend time with both sets of Grandparents during the weekend.

Hilariously enough, the Easter dress your Nana hoped you would wear last year fit you perfectly this year. A little short, but more of a chance to show off your fabulous shinny silver mary janes.

Annabelle at 14 months. What a delight you are.

You are beautiful and continue to be more each day.

It is finally getting easier to understand what you want during the day. You're signing to let us know what you want and when you are tired. At this month we started to notice that when you got tired you would grab a blanket, sign tired, and go to your room. This is exactly how you are and we love every bit of it.

First Birthday Party

Happy Birthday my sweet baby Annabelle.

Reminding myself of what a wonderful and sweet cuddle bug you are. I cannot believe that first year flew by and just like that we were celebrating your birthday. We had a very small party for you. In attendance were: Grandma and Grandpa Nance, Nana and Papa Gratz and Auntie Jenna. You spoke to your Uncle Adam and Auntie Jen on the phone that day too.

First cupcake and you loved it. Mama made a healthy whole wheat cupcake recipe and we are all thankful that you ate one and enjoyed it. I also went through 2 batches of scratch frosting to make sure you had the perfect one.

The biggest surprise to us all....you starting walking full time the day of your birthday! You spent a couple weeks taking 2-3 steps but all of a sudden you just woke up and chose to walk that day.

You love your toy box, swing, little green chair, soccer ball, silver cup, blocks and all the books and other wonderful gifts you received on at your party. Quite a fan of opening presents.

I must say that for a "non party" we had quite a party. Dada and I spent a lot of time preparing. We made your birthday sign and bunting and we enjoyed every single bit of it.

Annabelle Dawn Gratz, you are our shining light and our reason we wake up each morning so happy. Your energy uplifts everyone around you as you share your spirit so willingly. I have no idea where this year has gone and why on earth it happened so quickly. At the year anniversary of your birth we continued to be so impressed at your development and your desire to learn. Doggie still continues to be your favorite thing and sign. You love all your family and give hugs to everyone...well maybe still a little shy towards Papa and Grandpa. We love every bit about you Annabelle and are so blessed each moment we get to spend with you. We continually praise God for the biggest blessing we've ever received.