Our One Year Old

Yes, we have a one year old.  Isn't she beautiful?  I can't possibly describe the joy I feel when I look back on this last year.  I couldn't possibly ask for anything more.

The day she was born was perfect, it was exactly as I imagined.  We had waited so long for our little one and we knew she was coming November 23, the day before Thanksgiving.  Our family and closest friends were there to celebrate.  At 2:18 p.m. she came into the world...

What a perfect day.  We had visitors, we stayed up late drinking coffee with friends....I didn't sleep that night, I just remember staying up and saying "Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you" over and over to the One that gave her to us, the greatest gift given by the greatest giver of all good things.  And so began our lives as parents.

I love each new season.  Every month that went by was full of wonder, full of excitement, full of JOY.  I loved all 12 months watching this little one grow.

I can't imagine how much more I'll fall in love with her in the next year, how much more she will change and start becoming more of who He made her to be.  What an incredible honor.

Her birthday was great!  We just had a small little party with family and a few friends.  I have to say, I didn't do a great job taking lots of pics.  When we started singing Happy Birthday, Anniston got the BIGGEST smile on her face.  It was amazing.  I'm so sad I didn't capture the moment.  Only in my memories...here's some shots from the night.

So what is my one year old like?  She is full of JOY, happy and smiling most all the time.  She loves people and hasn't ever met a stranger.  She makes people feel super loved.  She is adventurous.  She is funny.  She loves music and loves to dance.  She loves books.  She loves food (like her momma).  She is just the perfect addition to our family.  We love you Anniston Joy!!!  Here's to your first year and many more to come!

Loving the Fall

We are having lots of fun at the Bauer house.  Might have something to do with our little one scurrying about.  Gosh she's fun.  

No teeth.  Eating more and more table food.  Loves Cheerios.  Not quite walking- she will stand on her own and lunge forward toward us- she just needs her feet to catch up with her body.  In her own time...

One thing Anniston likes to do is crawl with blocks in her hand.  It's pretty cute.

The other night we took a walk to dinner.  Anniston was all bundled up and looking cute.

On the walk home I looked down to find her playing peekaboo with herself...where's Anniston?

There she is!!

We have been so blessed by such fun time with Anniston's grandparents lately.  First, her Gramps came down to help us with a house project and to spend time with us.  Gosh we are so thankful for him.  Anniston really loves him.  She had so much fun playing with him.

Then we got to spend some time with Nana and Pops in Tulsa.  Lots of fun cuddle time.  She sure does love their stairs.

Grams came down to see Anniston in her Halloween costume.  Worthwhile trip if I do say so myself.  She's a pretty cute bumblebee.

She brought this amazing Halloween bag for Anniston.  The best part for Anniston is taking everything out of the sack and putting it back in.  Entertainment for hours.  Thanks Grams!

We had fun with our little Bee...passed out some candy to some kids and went to see friends all dressed up.  Fun night for sure!  We have decided we think Halloween is a really great holiday.  No other time do we open our homes and give gifts to strangers.  It's pretty fun when you think about it.

Another fun thing about this Fall is celebrating my dear friend Francie's marriage at her fantastic wedding.  She was so beautiful and her wedding was amazing.  Congrats Francie and Jon!  We love you guys and look forward to more fun times together!

Yet another thing that comes with the Fall is football.  Now I love college football.  I love to spend my Saturdays cheering on the Sooners and the Hogs....and Jake likes to carry it to Sunday and Monday with his Fantasy Football Team.  He has been trying to get me into it so we can share in the excitement.  He has been unsuccessful in this effort, so he has moved on to Anniston.  She is getting a lesson on how it works.  Maybe he will find more success with her.

Each day is so amazing.  I find myself asking myself "How do I savor this?  How do I soak in every moment?"  Is it better to spend my days off work keeping up the house, making dinner, running errands...or is it better to crawl on the floor, laughing and playing with my little Joy?  I'm sure there's a good balance somewhere, but I hope I choose the latter more than the former, for I know this season doesn't last forever.  With that being said....today is Saturday...and my little one just woke up from her nap...so it's time to put down the computer and make more memories.  Happy Fall everyone!