The big O-N-E

Gwendoline turned ONE on August 26. I can't believe our baby is a year old! Gwendoline's first birthday party was this past weekend and was so much fun! It was very special to be surrounded by our family and friends as we celebrated not just Gwendoline's milestone, but ours as parents as well. We made it through a whole year! Through those physically and emotionally exhausting newborn days, through the in-between stages, and through the beginning of the toddler stage. And hey, we're all still alive and thriving! Gwendoline is an absolute joy to us each and every day. We can't wait to witness her growing up over the coming years.

In many ways, this past year has flown by, a blur of day-to-day activities, diaper changes, feedings, naps, play times, and milestones. But in other ways, the time has crawled so slowly... those fussy-for-no-reason days when nothing can please, those days we're stuck in the house with nothing to do, or the worst- those days when one, both, or all three of us are sick.

Unfortunately, illness has plagued our little family pre- and post-birthday celebration, though we were all blessed to be healthy during Gwendoline's birthday party weekend. Gwendoline contracted a virus the week prior that had her vomiting and feeling icky; fortunately, it passed pretty quickly and she was back to her old self the next day. Then she woke up with a runny nose on the Monday after her party (her actual birthday). Other than a little snot, she seemed to feel just fine so we continued on with our plan of a family trip to the SeaLife Aquarium in Grapevine. Gwendoline and I have been to the aquarium a few times, but this first time with Daddy there was so much fun! But later that night, Jeph came down with a stomach bug that kept him quarantined to the bedroom for close to 48 hours. But wait, there's more... Gwendoline's 12 month well check was on Tuesday, meaning time for some shots. Even though she still had a runny nose, the pediatrician thought it would be fine to go ahead with the shots since Gwendoline wasn't running a fever. Fast-forward seven hours... Gwendoline spikes her highest fever to date- 102.7. She continued running a fever throughout the night, but was back to almost normal the next morning. She still has a bit of a runny and stuffy nose, but is in good and playful spirits. Jeph is feeling better too and is back at work today.

Gwendoline got a great report from the pediatrician and has some new growth stats to share with you:

• Weight: 19 lbs., 12.5 oz. (51st percentile)
• Height: 30.5" (90th percentile!!)

I'm going to have to sign this girl up for basketball instead of ballet and gymnastics if she keeps getting taller! Because she is so tall and is now 12 months old, we plan to purchase her new big girl car seat this weekend. But don't worry- she'll still be rear-facing in the car till she's at least 2, and probably longer.

Happy first birthday, baby girl!

She loved her (egg-free) cake!

Aquarium fun with Daddy