Happy Birthday Jane!

I can't believe it's been a year since this sweet little lady officially joined our family.

It's been a whirlwind of a year, and there's been lots of adjustment as we figure out the best way to make our new addition part of the family.

We love our sweet Jane. She isn't always predictable, easy, or even happy, but the joy that she has added to our lives makes our hearts full.

Jane is her Mama's little buddy. One of my favorite things about her is how much she loves her mom. We have a special bond, and I hope it will be something we share throughout our lives.

I have enjoyed watching her grow and develop; each new change has been magical again. It's not like the first baby, when a parent is impatient to get to the next milestone. And with the twins, I was overwhelmed and couldn't appreciate as much because I was just fighting to survive. So it's been nice to have a little one I can truly just enjoy.

Every month, new skills develop. This month has Jane making the transition from infant to toddler. Jane now crawls! Not far or fast yet, but she can definitely get from place to place.

Jane has also added the words "nana" (banana) and "NANANANA!" (NO, NO, NO, NO!) to her vocabulary, along with lip smacking when she wants something to eat or drink. She also nods or shakes her head and is attempting to sign new words. I am loving that we can communicate more now because it cuts down on our frustrations.

She's still a little bug, 16 lbs 13 oz. but it hopefully means I just get to keep holding her for longer.

We had a great time celebrating her birthday. We decided to make lunch at Feldman's Deli a tradition. It was a hit.

We had just a simple party, with only the grandparents. All the kids picked her a gift and I made her an individual cake to dig into.

As her babyhood comes to a close, I am excited to see what the next stages of her life brings. She's been such a fun, sweet, necessary member of our family and we just can't get enough.

Happy Birthday, baby girl!