Harper had a Birthday!

Yesterday was Harper's 1st Birthday and we celebrated with 27 of our favorite people at the beach in Cayucos...Harper loves the beach so we thought it would be fitting to have the party there and in turn get me off the hook for the house preparations I always go into a frenzy about every time we have a party.  It was simple- beach chairs, sandwich buffet, cupcakes and a few balloons and for the first hour or so we thought we were so lucky to have the most beautiful summer-like day!  Then as everyone sat down to eat the wind picked up, changed direction and we just about blew away.  Harper's big moment with her cupcake was overshadowed by the shivers and blowing sand in her face.  We quickly called it "over", shopped at the Silver Seahorse in MB and headed back to the house where we lounged in a wind-free backyard, had a big dinner, opened presents and gave Harper a do-over with her cupcake.  See link to YouTube for that footage...poor kid couldn't catch a break on her 1st Birthday! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MicUfZ4b3E  

She finally was able to enjoy a bowl of ice cream which I'm sure also cooled the burn!

I have been over-the-moon this year with my two baby girls.  Harper has been such a blessing and we are so thankful she is happy and healthy and we enjoy every minute experiencing her firsts and seeing the little person she is so quickly becoming.  I also spent the day thinking about my pregnancy and labor...how much I loved being pregnant again and how bad the labor part hurt...but so worth it and I know I will never forget Harper and my first moments together and how she gazed at my face, so peaceful, so big, so beautiful!  I couldn't have fallen any faster!

These days Harper is taking it all in, exploring her environment, independence, walking, climbing, babbling and is just as sweet as can be.  Her top 10 list of things to do include...

1. Walking- she's getting so fast!  Still a little stiff and lots of "booms" to her bottom.

2. Playing outside- our backyard, the park, the beach- she just can't get enough!

3. Bathtime!  Always been her favorite, now she is getting more comfortable laying on her tummy and putting her head in the water.

4. Eating- always been a professional.

5. Shopping- it is genetic after all!

6.  Wrestling with sister- the other day Marlie climbed in Harper's crib when she woke up from her nap and they played together for 1/2 hour with giggles gallore! I was monitoring the situation on the video monitor so as to not interrupt their romp!

7. Anything to do with "dada"- she's in her daddy phase of life.  It brought tears to my eyes the other day when Josh came home from work after 3 days away and Harper was the first one to the door, arms up, and hugged her daddy tight.

8.  Waking up happy, if not ecstatic! She loves to jump in her crib and play DJ with her mobile and aquarium. We are so lucky to have happy girls in the morning and following naps.

9.  Dancing...she can hula!

10.  Playing with the dogs, talking to them and following them around the house.

She is getting more vocal...loves to repeat me when I say "eh, eh, eh" (my version of no), baba, mum or mama, dada and giraffe- almost certain she said it today when she cuddled with her stuffed giraffe. She is also quite the rebel!  She is definitely showing her independence and starting to push the limits especially if shoe eating or flower picking is involved!

Happy Birthday Harper Paige...you have made us so proud to be your parents and we adore the little person you are!