HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Bubsy Boo-Boo!

Today is Avery's first birthday! That's right, our little babe is ONE!! Happy Birthday sweetness!

As we were laying in bed last night, I told Chris that at that moment a year ago, I was nervously and anxiously awaiting Avie's arrival, hoping and praying that everything would go smooth and she would arrive safe and sound. And with humble gratitude I reflect on today a year ago when she DID arrive safe and sound. She was perfect on that day, and is even more perfect now! I could just burst with the love I feel for our little precious girl! She has been such a peaceful, happy influence in our family and there's not a doubt in my mind she was meant to come to us!

Things to remember about our Avery Ryenne:

Nicknames that have evolved over the past year--Bubsy, Avie-Aves, Avies, Avie-girl, Boo-Boo, Tinker. The girls call her Avie and I love that!

Big, alert eyes, right from birth!

Auburn hair, auburn curls, and a swirly cowlick right above her forehead.

Chubby, chubby! Cheeks and legs are the squishiest!

Great and excited eater. And loves to throw her food on the floor too!

Favorite words to say right now are "dada" and "yeah". Also, whenever I say "cheeese" to take a picture of her, she says, "eeeeee!!"

Loves the bath. Splashes like CRAZY!

8 teeth and beautiful grin!

Went from army crawling to regular crawling to now getting around on her hands and feet!

Has taken a few steps at a time. Wants to walk REAL bad!

Sleeps wonderfully -- down from 8:30-8:30, nap at 11:00, nap at 2:30. Still sleeps with a binky, but has also discovered the fun of throwing it over the edge of her crib and then cries because she wants it back!

Just learned how to go DOWN the stairs (thank goodness)! It's no fun going up if you can't get down!

Loves to play upstairs with her big sisters. Loves to do ANYTHING with her big sisters. Loves to laugh at them. Loves to follow them. Loves to steal their toys. They don't love that so much!

Just started in her forward facing car seat. LOVES it! And loves to get my attention so I'll look back at her. She's proud as punch!

Melted our hearts the day she was born. Has melted out hearts every single day since then. Literally every day.

Peacemaker.

Special spirit.

Laughs easy.

Loves to clap.

Loves to see Grandma and Grandpa on Skype.

Obsessed with our printer. And the paper. Probably need to move that up!

Loves to climb, especially up mom and dad. Like a little monkey!

Hates sitting still. She is soooo squirmy and ready to move all the time. It makes church real hard these days!

Avie-girl, we love you so much. Every single one of us! You make your sisters laugh. You make your mom and dad smile and melt and turn into putty! You bring joy, even to the strangers you encounter, with your curious smile and infectious nature! You have been a beautifully content and easy and happy baby since you were born. You don't ask for too much, just want your deserved attention so that you can give US your love! You are so special to us. You were prayed to our family for so many years and when you came, you fit so perfectly. PERFECTLY! I feel so bonded to your little spirit, drawn to your charm and happiness, to the point that I can't wait every day to see you when you wake up! A person should not be so lucky to have a girl like you! Thank you for making our lives so blessed by your place in our family!

We hope you have a special day today, Boo-boo! You deserve it, even though you have NO idea that it's even your special day! Happy birthday!!

More to come on the festivities!

(And she was DONE with this photo shoot!)