Times with the Todds: Happy First Birthday Kate!

Today was a great day....Kate's first birthday! Of course it was a much bigger deal to Joe and me than for her, but we still had a wonderful day. Joe and I were recalling last night what we were doing this day exactly one year earlier and just how nervous we were about the whole delivery process. We were up practically the whole night before my scheduled induction...I don't think we ever went to sleep. I know I didn't. We got up about 4:30am or so to get ready to head down to the hospital so we could be there by 6am. We had to wait in the waiting room for about 45 minutes while they prepared a room for us. By 6:45am I was getting dressed into my hospital gown, climbing into the hospital bed (the exact same room where Kelly delivered Will!), and trying to gain my composure over the fact that I was about to literally give birth and become a mom. By 7am, Dr. Morgan-Gibbs had come in to break my water and my labor had officially begun. I felt some contractions that were pretty painful by my standards, although the nurse assured me they really weren't that intense compared to the real, intense contractions that come toward the end of labor. I remember being unsure of how to respond to that...should I hang in there, be brave, and try to hold off on the epidural?? or should I fold now and go ahead and get it?? But then, for me it was really never a question. Definitely go ahead and get it. In my mind, there are two ways to deliver a baby. With pain, and without pain. Call me whatever you like, but I chose without pain, and proud I did. I think I got the epidural (thank you, Lord, for the gift of epidurals!) somewhere between 8am and 9am and was immediately pretty relaxed and comfortable. And then Kate was born at 10:25am. I couldn't have asked for a more picturesque labor and delivery.

Getting ready for delivery!

Kate, a few hours old

Kate, one year old

Luckily, today fell on a Wednesday so I was already off and got to spend the day with her. We started off the morning with a blueberry muffin and birthday hat.

Doin' a little birthday struttin'

I'm One!!!!

Daddy helped me blow out the candle--and no, I'm not touching the flame (although it actually really does look like it!). No need to call DEFACS.

Now THAT was a birthday breakfast!

I found myself stopping and looking at her so many times today and saying to myself, "Wow, she really doesn't look like a little baby anymore. She's looking more like a little girl." Bittersweet!! So proud of her and all she's accomplished in her first precious year. Praying for many more years of healthy growth for Kate.

This past weekend we travelled to Perry for the family reunion. We had a great time getting to meet all the cousins! Kate had fun playing with all her little cousins!!