In the beginning!

Zoe is 1 year old today! WOW how time flies. Seriously, I can not believe it. This time last year I was amazed at how such a small little being could change my life so much. I felt so inept though I had read so many baby books, but was amazed at how much of the nurturing just came natural. I felt a love so powerful and so real, it confirmed my testimony of God's love for us. Everyday I was amazed at how this little tiny person added such a huge spirit to our home, in fact so much so, when we had to take her back to the hospital for light therapy, both Scott and I felt a huge void in our home, and she had only been with us a couple of days. In the beginning it was an emotional roller coaster which, I am beginning to realize never really ends!

One year later, I am understanding the meaning of true JOY! I feel a little more confident about being a parent at least for now, and I am loving every minute I get to spend with my sweet Zoe. She is truly a gift from God. I love her more than words can speak and only want the best for her. The cool thing is now, I can tell she loves me too!

Zoe's personality is starting to come out. I can already tell she loves to be around people. She is very social, she will say "hi" perfectly to people in the elevator as we ride up to our 27th floor apartment! It will actually throw people off. She is curious about her surroundings and life in general, always asking me "whaz sdat?" as she points to things around us. In fact, that is the first thing she says when she wakes up from her naps, she points to some thing and says "whaz sdat?" She loves to crawl really fast and then stand up on everything! She has discovered that the shelfs and cupboards have interesting things in them to play with. She loves crawling from our living room back to the bathroom while I get ready in the morning and exploring on the way.

Zoe had four birthday parties to celebrate her first year of life. The first was in Salt Lake City with all her cousins at Wheeler Farm. That was so fun. She had a lamb cake and pig cupcakes and fun gift bags with animal noses in them. She loved seeing the animals, it was her first time seeing pigs, cows and turkeys. The second party was with her grandma and grandpa Thomas. We sang happy birthday to her and she had fun opening her presents with her little cousins. The third party was here in New York with all her New Yorker buddies. We had a combined party with her friend Ben (who was turning 2). We had lots of balloons, pizza, and cupcakes! All the kids came and she had fun exploring my friend's out door terrace, with a sand box and play ground! The last party was just with the three of us. Scott came home early (which was such a treat for Zoe and me), as soon as she saw him she started to flare her arms and scream in delight! Daddy means FUN to Zoe. She was so excited to see him I put her down and the second I did, she was racing off towards the door to greet him! Zoe loves her daddy!! She played with us and we sang happy birthday to her. What fun couple of days!

Wow what a year, I have learned SO much about so many things. Life has taken on another meaning to me. I feel I am better in so many ways since Zoe was born. She has taught me so much! I couldn't be more grateful for the first year we were able to spend with each other. It was hard and enjoyable at the same time. It was a really great learning experience, one I will always cherish.