Annie's 1st Birthday

Our little Annie at age 1 is turning into a fun addition to our family. She is full of funny faces and already likes making jokes. She does whatever she wants (and seems to get away with it--oops) but with a sweet and cheerful disposition. She is taking 5 or 6 steps at a time and has already mastered climbing up on everything--the bed, the dishwasher, into cupboards, the couch, the stepstool, out of her highchair, into the bathtub, etc. She started her birthday morning off climbing onto Evan's bed and then taking a nosedive into the train track box. She is beside herself with excitement whenever she thinks she will be able to touch water. She doesn't play with baby toys much, instead she prefers ballpoint pens, rocks, diapers, our books, shoes, dirty laundry, and CD cases. She likes to put things around her neck (like a necklace) and pretends to dress herself. She won't wear a headband anymore but leaves her shoes on now. We love her so much and I love having a little girl around! Happy Birthday, Annie!


Here's a 6 minute video of Annie's 1st Birthday Party. We invited a few families that especially love Annie and asked them to sing her a song instead of bringing a present. We had a fun night and Annie was a very gracious hostess. She doesn't seem to like cake and frosting that much (yet) but LOVES bananas and ice cream, so I made her a banana split ice cream "cake" (recipe from Family Fun magazine).

(For those who don't want to watch the video, here's some still shots)

Wearing a dress I made!

Overwhelmed by her brothers' exuberance at gift-opening time

"Sharing" her new toy with Sam and Evan

Flowers from our backyard, homemade banner from Sam

Chillin' out with the guys and welcoming guests

I made cupcakes for the candle-blowing picture, even though she ate ice cream

The kids played an elaborate war game in the backyard all night

Annie smiled the whole time

Here's some pictures from her "12 months" photo shoot with the dolls: