Happy Birthday Nicole

Nicole turned one on Friday! I cannot believe how quickly this past year has gone. Thursday and Friday was UEA (Fall Break) so me, Dave, and Hannah were all out of school. Even though Friday was Nicole's official birthday we didn't celebrate until today. She did do a few fun things on Friday. She went for rides with Hannah in the golf cart. Dave strapped the car seat in the golf cart for safety. She had her first day of walking outside with shoes and no walker. She played in her car seat, which was out of the van while I vaccuumed, fell out and received her first scraped nose. She also got to spend the night at Grandma Peterson's so Dave and I could have a date night (Ashley and Hannah were at Grandma and Grandpa Welker's with cousins). What a big day for just turning one.

Golf Cart Fun

Notice the scraped Nose and bonk on the forehead....

Tonight was the official birthday party. What a treat it was to have Great Grandma Nana come for the celebration. We had her with us for dinner and for the cake and ice cream celebration. Grandma Peterson, Grandma Welker, and Grandpa Welker were also here to celebrate.

Me, Hannah and Ashley baked and decorated Nicole's cake.

Nicole wasn't too sure about having her own piece of birthday cake. It took her a few minutes but then she got the hang of "digging in". Her favorite part was putting the frosting in her hand and squishing it between her fingers.

I believe Hannah and Ashley had more fun playing with her new toys than Nicole did. She got a piano caterpillar from Grandma Peterson, some fun playing balls from Grandma Nana, and a ball slide from Mom, Dad, and the girls. The theme for this year must have been balls!

For just turning one, Nicole is a goer. She has been walking now for three weeks. Give her three more and she'll probably be running. Hannah taught her how to climb the stairs on Friday so we now have to watch her. She can go up but she can't come down.....well, she can it's just much quicker than it should be. She can say a few words.....ought oh, dad, mom, kitty, and hi. She can sign for more and all done.

Nicole is such a fun baby. She can bring a smile to anyone's face. We love having her in our family. I can't imagine life without her.

We love you Nicole! Happy Birthday!