My sweet 1-year old

Happy birthday sweet baby girl!!  Although we celebrated yesterday, her official birthday was today.  It was a quiet day; we all went to work and Elayna went to bed by 6:30pm.  Not much of a party girl!

Although I told everyone I wouldn't, I did get a little misty-eyed this morning thinking about the last year and the miracle of Elayna.  She is a precious blessing, she has added so much to Aaron's and my life, and there are so many people in her life that love her.

So it's been fun to reflect throughout the day:

6am:

• A year ago - my contractions had gotten me out of bed.  The pains were mostly irritating and I spent most of the morning watching TV and finishing some last minute work details. Aaron, however, spent the morning cleaning and preparing ... he was a little worker bee.
• Elayna @ 1 month - Elayna's favorite time of day was 3-6 am - she wasn't fussy just ready to be awake.  Unfortunately, this was NOT anyone else's favorite time of day.  Around 6, I woke Aaron (usually crying ... I missed sleep) so he could take a turn.
• Today - Aaron and I were up, showering, and getting ready for our day.  Elayna slept for another 30 minutes before breakfast.

2pm:

• A year ago - to speed things along we took Clancy for a quick walk around the neighborhood.  It worked.  My contractions increased dramatically and I was very uncomfortable while Aaron took a quick nap.  By 5pm, I was in a lot of pain and begging the doctor to let me come to the hospital.
• Elayna @ 1 month - Elayna was on a 3 hour feeding schedule and napped periodically during the day.  She and I were (hopefully) both napping while Aaron was at work.
• Today - While Aaron and I work, Elayna was at daycare.  She was taking a good nap before eating and playing with her friends.

6pm:

• A year ago - We FINALLY were given the green light to go to the hospital and I was receiving my epideral.  This was the best part of the day and I even took a nap.
• Elayna @ 1 month - It has been a long day for Elayna and evenings were her worst time.  She sometimes would cry for an hour or so -- mostly because she was overstimulated.  Aaron had the magic touch and she loved when he would sing and walk with her.
• Today - It has been a long day for Elayna and she doesn't want to play with her new toys any longer.  After a bath, bottle, and lots of kisses, she's in bed by 7.

11pm:

• A year ago - The doctor came in to break my water at 10:30 and discovered Elayna was ready!  She was born at 11:08pm.  Aaron was with me the entire time and was really interested in the delivery.  He even cut the cord.  It was still several hours until we could relax and sleep but we were so overwhelmed with our new daughter and our new adventure!!
• Elayna @ 1 month - Elayna is (hopefully) sleeping peacefully.  She sometimes woke for a feeding between 11-12 and would fall asleep again to save her energy for 3am.  She loved 3am....
• Today - Elayna is (hopefully) sleeping peacefully.  She is a great sleeper and is usually down for 10-12 hours at night.  Since we all know I love to sleep, I love this baby!

It's been a fun, crazy, and mostly wonderful year.  We have learned so much and Elayna is the answer to every prayer.  We love her a lot .... happy birthday, sugar-bear!