Happy FIRST Birthday


Happy Birthday to my beautiful baby girl.?? I can’t believe a year has gone so swiftly by.?? Surely I would be over that initial “awe” of having a DAUGHTER by now – but I am not.?? I still am giddy about it.?? Crazy giddy.??

This week I was watching her walk around the front room and I just had this moment of feeling such a soul connection to her.?? I don’t know how to explain.?? (And if my boys someday read this – DO NOT jump to the conclusion that this is mama talking about favorites – I have not, do not, will not EVER have a favorite child – you know that).?? The connection with my daughter is simply different than the one with my sons.?? Maybe it is a female to female thing.?? We understand one another differently.?? What we bring to the table and what we need is different.?? I look into my daughter’s eyes and I see a part of me.?? She is her own little unique self for certain, but I also see traits of mine already developing in her.?? Most especially in her expressions.?? She does this dip her head down, one eye cock very serious look that I KNOW is a reflection of mine.?? Every single person in my inner circle just saw it flash before their eyes I am sure. ;)?? She is independent but likes people – like me.?? She is curious and busy finding things to keep her occupied – like me.?? She has a very serious side – like me.?? She loves food – like me (shoot).?? She loves to dig through the trash to see what good stuff got dumped – like Papa hee hee.?? She loves remotes and controllers – like her brothers.?? She has been carrying my shoes around and I am getting worried – AUNT BROOKE!!!?? Grrrr.?? :)?? She is more incredible than I ever could have dreamed up in my WILDEST imaginations.???? When I look into her eyes, I see a gift – a treasure – a reflection of Father’s love.?? He gifted us to one another.?? Wow.?? He loves us so.???? I am sure God smiles when He watches the wild romance play out between two happy parents and three awesome kids.

I took both of these pictures while she was in the bath tub this week.???? No studio.?? Just baby at home.?? I love them.

Tori was weighed on Friday and IN a wet diaper AND clothes AND shoes – she weighed 17 pounds 4 ounces (which means quite confidently under 17 pounds at one year).?? My mom was 17 pounds at a year also.?? Such a tiny little button.

Tomorrow (IF I feel good enough), I am going to take her out for some pictures outside.?? I have at least 4 birthday ideas that I need to shoot and they WILL happen sometime this month.?? Positive thinking.

P.S.?? Used the neti pot 4 times now.?? I must admit…it does creep me out and I get a little anxiety rush because I am a real baby about water up my nose BUT…I think it’s helping me.?? I still feel virus sick but my sinuses are DEFINITELY improving from yesterday.?? As Heidi said, the neti pot won’t cure the virus but it can keep infections at bay and relieve some of the symptoms.???? Thought you’d like to know ha ha!?? ๐Ÿ˜‰

And one??more picture.?? A couple of weeks ago I was nosing (is that a word Kristi?) around in my mom’s little tiny attic playroom.?? You never know what treasures Sweetie may be hiding.?? In there was this teeny tiny doll bed.?? I NEEDED IT.?? On the promise of a loan (we did not negotiate the terms of that loan), I am BORROWING it.?? It will be awesome for newborn shoots.?? Isn’t it cute??? (Note to mom:?? Something about Tori reminds me of you in this picture – do you see it?)


13 responses to “Happy FIRST Birthday”

  1. Happy Happy Birthday Tori. I can not believe you are 1 already. What a wonderful year that has gone by. Your family is so blessed to have you as you are to have them. I hope you have a wonderful wonderful day and a year filled with happiness and love.

    LOVE LOVE LOVE the bottom picture, so cute.

  2. HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY SWEET TORI!!!!! I can’t believe your little peanut is 1! I love all the pics but I have to say the last one is my FAV! Love the doll bed the urban look of the photo and the bear and OFCOURSE the BEAUTIFUL baby girl! Hope you feel better soon. I want to see you!

  3. Happy Birthay my sweet little niece! Big hugs and Kissed from Aunt Christine and Uncle Eric! XOXOXOX

  4. Happy birthday little Tori. Doni I hope that you get better soon can’t wait to see what you have in mind for her birthday pictures.

  5. Happy, happy birthday, Tori! And don’t worry, Doni. If and when the boys come across this post, all they will have to do is take a look at one of their own birthday posts and see much their momma gushed with love for them! I have no doubts they’ll all know of your complete infatuation with each of them!!

    And, in regard to ‘nosing’…yes, it’s absolutely a word. Now, why in the world would you be asking me? ๐Ÿ˜‰

    I love you friend, and I totally feel ya on this post. TOTALLY!!! ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. I forgot…That doll bed is a treasure for sure! I want one! Beth sure would look adorable in a picture on that bed, too! Teehee!!

  7. Happy Birthday my sweet niece! I can still remeber each item we prepared for your anticipated arrival! It was a late night filled with great expectations of you, Princess! And yes, I think we will be shoe shopping together for years to come!!
    Love,
    Your Auntie Brooke

  8. What a perfect day, Tori’s first birthday and Zanes new spiritual birth day. He prayed this AM. It doesn’t get much better than that!

  9. HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIL CUTIE! It is hard to believe a year has gone by, seems like in blink of an eye. I guess in the lives of little ones, you grow up WAY to quick! Before we know it your mama will have you attending the Brinkman School for the Blessed! I love you! Doni give hugs and kisses to the boys for me! Love you guys.

  10. happy birthday little niecey… this auntie loves you SOOOOOOOO much… you are the niece of my heart you know? God gave a precious gift to me when he gave you to your Daddy and Mama. I’m going to go right on thinking that He also had me in mind when he thought of them… self-centered a little? perhaps… but i’m not going to change my mind. ๐Ÿ™‚ i’m going to lived love through you little baby girl. you are such a beauty on the outside. i can hardly wait to watch you grow into even MORE beauty from the inside. with your mama as a shining example, no doubt the beauty will gush forth!

    enjoy your spoiling little one… i don’t think it’s likely to stop AFTER your birthday of course… but enjoy this extra special kind of spoiling on YOUR day.

    Doni – these pictures are priceless… a beautiful display of a beautiful gift from Daddy Abba. That last one on the baby bed… oh my goodness… edibly cute. ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Oh- and so glad you are getting some help from the neti pot. yes, it’s weird, i know… but it grows on you doesn’t it? ๐Ÿ™‚

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