Birthday Girl

A lot has happened since my last blog so I apologize in advance for the lengthy blog and extensive amount of pictures. To start with, we celebrated Lily's 1st birthday the first weekend of August at Levi's parents' house. It was a beautiful party with family and friends. Lots of love, lots of presents (too many), lots of Lilyness :) and lots of pink and blue. I think it was a little overwhelming for Lily because there was so many people and she's used to just mom and dad and family, but she did so well and she was happy. Even though she missed her afternoon nap and was exhausted, she pushed through and opened all her presents. We had the birthday girl dressed in the cutest tutu and she had balloons, which she loved. We had a balloon release at the end of the party and it was a time to offer up a prayer for Lily girl. It was a very meaningful and emotional moment. Just thinking about what the past year has been like and how blessed and thankful we are that Lily is here with us today. Lots to be thankful for with this girl.

                    

                       

Love love love this pic. This dad has an amazing love for his daughter! So glad he's mine :) 

On her actual birthday we had some visitors during the afternoon. Lily got the royal treatment and had a manicure from aunt Abbie. Then Lily celebrated with mom and dad and her very own birthday cake at night. She wasn't super impressed. We let her touch and play with the frosting but she didn't like it cause it was a little cool after being in the fridge. We let her have a lick and taste the frosting, but she was like- hmm, what is this? Not impressed. Not like her mom. I loooove chocolate cake. But she had fun with music and being with people she loves-she is just content. I have so much to learn from her.

                
                          

 
 

  My birthday girl and her crazy hair-love it!


As you may have been able to notice, we are also sprouting two new teeth on top which have caused a little crankiness over the past few days. For those of you that know Lily, she is pretty much the most content, chill girl ever. But you can tell she is uncomfortable lately, just kind of whiny and fussy. Poor Girl. Thankfully, Tylenol and sleep have been in her favor. Below are just some random pics I wanted to share of Lily. We have been so blessed to have Lily's grandparents all close and around to help out a lot this summer. Sadly, both my mom and sister went back to work last week so we won't get to see them as often and we will miss them dearly, but a shout out to everyone for all their help---Lily has the best grandparents ever :) And the best aunts :) Ok just the best family :)

 

               Not too high daddy!                                    

 Can't resist that face!

 Any moment I can snuggle this girl is a precious moment. She gets a lot of secretions when she is upright for prolonged periods of time, so snuggle time like this makes mom's heart happy.
 

 Swing time with Gma Stewart

 Look at those teeth! How cute is that?

 And I just love these chubby baby legs with shoes. Lily doesn't wear shoes much because they're not very functional, but they are fashionable :)

The summer is nearing an end and it makes me sad because I know we'll be stuck inside a lot this winter trying to keep Lily away from flu/cold germs but hopefully this fall we can get out a lot and get some walks in with our stroller! Lily enjoys being outside and watching the world around her.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us in so many ways: financially, through prayer, sending cards/notes of encouragement, gas cards, bringing food, etc. Whatever you have done---it is so much appreciated. And I will (someday) thank you properly. We love you all and we are so thankful for the extensive amount of support we have from family, friends, community, and people we don't even know. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

"We do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are TEMPORARY, but the things which are not seen are ETERNAL." 2 Corin 4:18
Hard to really put this verse into practice every day, but gives me hope for our Lily girl that despite her SMA she WILL one day be able to walk, run, play, dance-whatever she wants to do :) :)