ONE YEAR UPDATE!

 To say that this past year has been the most difficult year of my life is still an understatement. But, because of this, it has been the most rewarding. Paedn and I have grown closer as a couple, as a family, and closer to the Lord. Paedn had a stroke in March. A month later, I had Lorelei. I have never felt more confused and alone in my life. I was scared. I felt like this little girl who had no idea what she was doing. When I had Lorelei, I was completely alone in the hospital. I slept with the TV on. I woke up every two hours to go down to the nursery and feed Lorelei. I loved rescuing her from the photo therapy. It was so hard to go down there and hear my baby screaming. I wanted to be with her. Even though I was scared, I took charge. Lorelei needed me..Paedn needed me. The first three months after Lorelei was born, was by far, the hardest. I had moments where I broke down, but I was determined that Paedn and Lorelei would not see me cry. So many times I fell to my knees and pleaded with the Lord for help. I taught myself to hide my emotions and act like I was fine, I acted tough, and soon it became easier to deal with the trials. A year later, the trials have become easier. The suffocation from the bills grew lighter and soon it became easier to breathe. We still have challenges, oh boy, don't get me wrong, we still have challenges. Paedn still has his bad days...weeks even. But, we know we will make it through. We are no longer falling, tumbling downward. We are digging our fingers into the dirt, tightening our grip, and making our way back up. It's a trying battle. But, one day, we will make it. For now, we have to enjoy and embrace every single tiny victory! Our health. Date night. Every laugh. Every kiss. Lorelei. We are learning to enjoy life. I see my princess and am completely AMAZED by her strength and persistence. She inspired me to be strong. I have never been more proud of myself then I am right now. I look back and remember all I conquered. This has only been ONE YEAR! I am prepared, and excited, for this coming year.

Lorelei amazes me every day. Since the beginning, we knew she was going to be active. Day one, she was lifting and rotating her head. At 8 weeks, she rolled over. By 5 months, she was crawling. By 11 months, she was running, Not only is she extremely active, she is smart! She says Dada, Mama, Daisy, Mickey, Jesus, hi, buh-bye. She waves, claps, pats, gives high-fives, gallops and walks backwards . We have dance parties constantly. We ask her, "Where is Jesus?" and she points to the pictures on the wall. She is becoming more affectionate. She will come up and hug our legs or give us a big hug and pat our back. She gives kisses. When we are sitting on the ground, she will come over and plop herself right on our lap.  I could not have asked for a more happy child. She smiles and laughs constantly! Lorelei received a pretty princess purse as a birthday gift and she carries it around whenever we are out. If she knows we are leaving, she grabs her purse and says bye! She cracks me up. I am so completely in love with this little lady. I feel so inadequate to be her mother. I get nervous that I won't know what/when to teach her something new. I want to make sure I am always challenging her. She is definitely an independent lady! She wants to do what she wants, when she wants; she has to be the one to figure something out.                                                               

On Saturday the 20th we had a little first birthday party for the princess. Our family and friends came over and helped celebrate with us. Unfortunately, I was trying not to be stressed (I am bad at that.) and I did not take any photos. =-( The video of Lorelei eating her cake is also extremely wobbly. I was disappointed. I vowed that I don't care how stress/hectic I will be, I will just make sure I take pictures and everything! Thankfully, my mom took some pictures of her. So, we do have a few. Lorelei loved having all the attention at her party. Opening presents was a blast! She just wanted to play with toys after she opened them though, so I did a lot of the unwrapping. She was spoiled!! My home is always in chaos now because she just loves all her new toys!

This is Lorelei after her party. I had to get some in her birthday outfit!

 Lorelei on her actual birthday:

Lorelei's Favorites:

Tv Show- Mickey Mouse and Sophia the First

Food- Blueberries and Raisins

Book- Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You? and Hand, Hand, Finger, Thumb (every time we go to the book shelf she starts giggling with excitement! Its adorable. But, she only wants to read 2 pages and then she is done.)

Activity- Dancing, Wrestling/Tickle Fights

Lorelei has SIXTEEN teeth!

Weighs 18 pounds and is 29 inches long

She tends to be scared/nervous around men. If they have facial hair, there is a 90% chance she will start crying if I am not holding her.

The many faces of Lorelei: