Babies Don't Keep: 2009 in Review

January:

Audrey was 4 months old and a master drooler. We spent lots of time practicing sitting and took every opportunity we could get to get outside.

February:

Our 5 month old learned to sit up on her own and was so proud (as were we)! I went on a girls' trip to Fairhope and Audrey and Clay went to stay with his parents. I missed Audrey the entire trip and didn't enjoy myself as I should have. Anyone want to go on a girls' trip now?!?

March:

Audrey was baptised--- a new birthday! I smocked her bonnet and dress. It was the first thing I'd smocked in about 4 years or so. I loved it! It was a bit fru-fru but what other time in your life can you wear a bonnet?

April:

Audrey's first Easter... We went to lots of egg hunts and Easter parties. Audrey loved the colorful eggs-- especially putting them in her mouth. This was my favorite outfit she had for the Easter season. I wonder if I can put her in a bubble this year?

May:

First Mother's Day for me! What a fun day! We spent lots of time outside playing with her push car and wagon. We took daily trips through our neighborhood, stopping to talk to the neighbors' cat at the end of the road each day. She loved riding in her wagon! She really started showing affection toward Clay this month-- getting excited when she heard the garage door go up-- signaling that "Daddy's home!".

June:

I volunteered for VBS at our church-- I was in the babies' room with Audrey. It was VERY overwhelming initially but by the end of the week I was having a great time. Audrey absolutely loved it everyday! She didn't take a morning nap but once! She also started standing alone this month. We waited and waited for those first steps to come.....

July:

....and at 10 months old she began walking! I'll never forget seeing her waddle across the living room to my mother's arms! Orr... when she was toddling across our bedroom with a look of the highest concentration on her face! Precious times!

August:

We had our sweet baby girl's first birthday party this month! It was a special day for us! We did lots of reminiscing about how our life had changed in the past year-- all for the better. I know that all parents say that but it is so true! Audrey has been such a blessing in our lives! We also took Audrey on her first trip to the beach. She loved the sand, the water, everything! We loved watching her play and experience the beach for the first time! I am NOT a beach person but I foresee many beach trips in our future if Audrey continues to love it as much as she did then!

September:

We started brushing Audrey's teeth with a big girl toothbrush this month rather than a baby toothbrush. She loved it and asks to brush her teeth all the time now.

October:

This month was probably the scariest month in Audrey's life for us (other than her actual birth). She caught a nasty virus and couldn't shake it. It culminated with a trip to the ER and an IV for dehydration. It was awful. This picture was taken on Halloween night and the next day we were in the ER.