Arden's First Year

That slide show and song pretty much sums it up. This time last year I was in HARD labor ready to bring my daughter into the world. I've already gotten emotional twice today and it's only noon. What's up with that? From what I hear first birthdays are hard on moms because we have to face that we'll never get those "baby" moments back. Some of those baby moments I'm fine letting go of- the sleepless nights, the smileless first few months.

But I still cherish the past year as the best year of my life so far. Everyday she gets more and more fun, but with that more and more independent and it's bittersweet sometimes. I can't even express how much my heart has grown and what she has taught me about myself without even being able to speak. Parenthood has been incredibly challenging, but incredibliy rewarding in the same moment.

So here's to you Arden Joan Drenzek- I love you, your daddy loves you, your family and lots of friends love you!

Happy Birthday little one- you will always be my baby.

The Dancing Queen!

Arden's shows off some moves to one of our favorite bands- Chatham County Line
She's got good taste!

Arden makes a friend!

Arden met a new friend! My best friend, Brittny's niece, Adison came into town on Sunday and the two of them met Sunday night. Adison is about a month older then Arden and adorable! She's walking and "talking" and seeing the two of them interact was hysterical! Brittny tells me that Adison speaks mostly in "Ds", while Arden babbles in other consonants and sounds as well. The funny thing was once they got to "talking" together, Arden just stuck with dadadada, too. Like it was their own language! I got this video of part of their conversation.

My mom has since given this translation:

"Hi, this is my table that my Noani gave me"

"I have a new red shirt"

"It has cool toys on it"

"I have a new red shirt"

"What do you like to do?"

"I have a new red shirt"

"I have a dog named Maggie who lets me climb all over her"

(Addison falls down)

"Get up! I have more to tell you!"

"I can get up by myself"

Arden squeaking, "Hey I just realized our names start with the same letter!" because of course we know our Baby Girl knows this.

"I can stand without holding on"

"Oh"

"I can walk!"

Arden grabbing Addison's shirt, "Booger!"