Happy 1st Birthday, Marleigh!

Saturday was Marleigh's 1st birthday. We had a party for her at Glory Be. Marleigh is so lucky to be loved by so many people. She wasn't too sure about her cupcake, though. Marc smashed her hand in it. She gave him look like, "why did you do that, Daddy?" She really didn't care for the frosting, but I'm not suprised. She's not big on sweets. She did eat a little of the cake. Everyone else devoured the cupcakes (thanks again, Amber). It was so good to be able to celebrate with our family & friends. We've got some great pictures I'll have to get uploaded.

Marleigh made her television debut Satuday morning on KWCH. She was on the birthdays they do on the morning news. We sent in her reindeer picture from Christmas. The news anchor said, "they just don't get any cuter than that." We completely agree! :)

As if she didn't have a big enough day already, Marleigh decided that she was a big girl on Saturday. She is now sitting up completely on her own. It was like someone flipped the switch. Tonight she sat on the floor and played for well over twenty minutes. She's also not too far from crawling, either!

All of the excitement from turning 1 must have worn her out. Marleigh slept until 9:30 on Sunday morning. Needless to say, we didn't make it to church. Without my little human alarm clock, Mommy didn't wake up either! It felt kinda good to sleep in for once.

Saturday was very bittersweet. We love Marleigh so much and couldn't be prouder of her. However, nothing can ever fill the void in our hearts from losing Natalie. When you lose a child, you lose a piece of your heart that can never be replaced. We took Marleigh out to see her little sister and to give her some flowers. We promised Marleigh we would take her out every year on their birthday to see her.

Looking back, some ways it seems like the girls were born yesterday. In other ways, it seems like years & years ago. We are so incredibly thankful for Marleigh's progress in the last year. She could have so many complications from being so premature, but she is absolutely perfect. She has the happiest little disposition. I truly believe that she fought so hard just to stay in this world, that she is just "happy to be here" as my cousin Jenni would say. When I put her to bed Saturday night I was thinking about what I was doing exactly one year ago. I was in the hospital recovering. Marleigh & Natalie were in the NICU & I hadn't even held my beautiful girls. As I was rocking her to sleep she closed her little eyes so peacefully. I held her for a while longer because one year ago, I couldn't. She is in every sense of the word, a miracle.

Teeth!

How can two little teeth be so cute?!? Okay, they're cute now, but they weren't so cute about ten days ago. Marleigh went through a faze of not wanting to eat, but we're back on full feed now! She is a little oinker!

Lately Marleigh has wanted whatever we're drinking. Does she want her bottle? No. Does she want her sippy cup? No. Does she want whatever is in your glass? Of course!!! Which is fine. We give her a drink of our water here and there. Until.... teeth! She's not used to her teeth & they clank on the glass. Then she gives us a dirty look like its our fault! It is pretty funny. :)

Where does the time go?

I can't believe it has been so long since I posted! Our laptop is still down, so I don't get on the internet at home much.

Christmas was awesome! Marleigh had a blast opening her gifts (with Daddy's help of course). We spent Christmas here, then traveled back to Marc's parents the weekend of the 1st. It was fun to watch Marleigh and her cousins! With 3 babies under the age of 1, plus a 3 year old, there was never a dull moment.

I have so many stories to share, but am short on time so I'll just tell you a few.

Marleigh now has 2 teeth! She has her bottom teeth & is working on at least 3 more up top. The last few days she has been miserable. I feel so sorry for her.

The other day I was changing Marleigh because she was dirty. I think the wipe must have been a little cold. Marleigh lifted up her bottom & pottied at the same time. She sprayed my hair & face! Thank goodness Aunt Myra showed up a short time later so I could take a shower. :)

Marleigh loves to sit with her Daddy every night before bed. They sit on the couch & she babbles to him. It is adorable. I've tried having her sit with me, but she squirms & fusses. I guess she's a Daddy's girl!