Happy Birthday Little One - Edition 1

It seems I am doomed to be two weeks behind on the blogging!

Two weeks ago, our little lady turned the big 1! It is true what they say, she grew up too fast. I can't believe we made it through this first year--it has been a constant joy, even when it's been rough. Liora brings light into every life she enters and every room she crawls into (still not walking on her own yet, but SO close).

So, to celebrate, this blog is a look back at this wonderful year, more for mommy than anyone else I think.

When Liora surprised us by coming 5 weeks early, mommy and daddy had just moved into our new house 2 weeks before. She came into the world a preemie, but this girl was "feisty"--even her delivery doctor thought so. And the doctors in the NICU constantly told me that they were worried least about the little girl who knew exactly what she wanted and how to get it at such a young age. We were smitten. And in for it.

I can't get over how little she was!

So that was her first month! The feisty-ness continues...she is demanding, but sweet; she's got lots of energy, and is oh so smart. She is full of personality; very expressive. She isn't afraid to try new things, but stays close to mommy while doing so. And, she's a beauty, inside and out. Here are some of my favorite photos from the rest of this first year (at least one per month) of my little one's life!

These last two photos are from the weekend she turned one. What an amazing year. Phew, we did it together (mommy, daddy, baby and village who we couldn't have done this without). Thanks everyone. And boy, do we love our life with Liora!

Visitors from Colorado

Two weeks ago, Aunt Gabi, Uncle Paul, Leo and Sammy came to the east coast for a visit. In between some family emergencies, it was a good time for the cousins to spend some time together (and for their mommy's to have some sisterly heart-to-hearts).

We visited with Grand Pop-pop one more time before he passed away. It was difficult to say good-bye. No photos were taken from that visit, but readers of this blog know that Liora was quite taken with him (almost as much as I have been my entire life):

His loss is a big one to the family...the patriarch who taught us all important life lessons and was a very loving grandfather. We miss you so much Pop-pop. We are thinking of Great Grandmom Fay often and sending her love!
The next step on our trip was to visit Great Grammy and other family in Freeburg. Our camera is not doing so well lately (which doesn't bode well for blogging...hint, hint hubby), so many of the photos from this visit are goners.

Some highlights in hopes that Aunt Gabi has some better ones I can share later...

Sammy and Grammy bonding.

Liora still loves to swing! And check out that super cool silver vest from MeMe andAmity!

Cousins Conor and Leo had a great time on the swings, too.

There is a similar photo from when cousin Sammy and Liora first met a few months ago...I think Liora was in much the same position, close to kicking Sammy in the face! These two had a great time playing together whether it was at Uncle Fred and Aunt Gina's house or cousins Heather and Jeff's house. Liora snatched Sammy's pacifier a few times, which was hilarious, and he responded by taking her Gigi (her giraffe, who she is becoming quite attached to).

Cousin Heather got the babies (not pictured is Baby Lane) together for a naked photo shoot. While we were setting up, I tried to snap a few photos. Little did I know that their high-tech set-up would mess with my flash. Still cute, even with poor lighting and blurry focus.

The funny thing is that once the real shoot started, Liora was miserable.

This photo exemplifies to me the trouble we're in with this little one. Sammy is just innocent looking and Liora looks like she's got some evil plan up her sleeve. And, don't they sort of look like twins? So cute together!

We went to the Philadelphia Children's Please Touch Museum...Liora loved watching all of the kids and having so many exhibits at her level.

Liora picked up this huge stuffed dog, put him in this wagon, and spent quite a bit of time pushing him around this exhibit. She was quite determined. She is *this* close to walking on her own!

Again, I wish I had more photos...this just wasn't in the cards this visit. We loved having all the CO family here on the right coast, and we look forward to the next visit (maybe a relaxing beach trip next time?).

Silly Girl

I meant to post this a few weeks back...so much has changed in the world of Liora since then! I didn't, but I will now and follow it up closely with some more up to date stuff.

Just a cute video of our silly girl.

Fall Farm Fun

A couple of weekends ago now, we went to local Butler's Farm for some fall fun. Liora was in a so-so mood when we left the house...teething is hitting us big time at the moment. But goats, pony rides, and corn buckets make teething pain all go away. She had a ball! She loved the animals and was able to ignore the stink bug infestation (really, it's becoming out of hand!). Also, check out her cool candy corn barrette...an original from Auntie Elizabeth. It was a hit.

 These things are weird.

But check out that nose!

Liora adored her pony ride, even though we had to have a conversation about if the horses were treated alright and if they got enough rest. She is very into animal protection. :)

Corn bucket or whatever this is called; Liora loved playing in it so much we couldn't get her to look up at the camera.

Tuckered out girl! She was ready for a nap at the end of it all.

And now for some videos of the horse ride:

Helping Mommy

Liora has a new favorite thing. Every night when I open her drawers to get out her outfit for the next day, she helps me out. Check it out!

Pandas and Pop-pops

Remember how much Liora loved Panda at the zoo? Well, the love continues. Panda is now the first thing she wants to see in the morning...pointing to him until we pick him up from the toy box. She loves to kiss him (sort of an open-mouth slobbery kiss) and hug him and hold on to him during storytime.

Best stuffed animal ever!

Now onto another big P in her life, Grand Pop-pop. Our September visit to Gettysburg was a beautiful day. Pop-pop was very happy to see Liora (and us I guess too!); we had a nice lunch indoors then moved outside to enjoy the sunshine. As always, we are looking forward to our next visit!