365 days old

Kevin and I woke up early, with Eden's laying between us, slobber and all. We just stared at her, waiting for her to feel it and wake up. Today was big day--it was her birthday! When she I finally I woke up, she knew something was different... we were awake too. You could see it on her grin. We sang her happy birthday and gave her all the kisses you could imagine.

Let the celebration begin!

balloons.

The day could only begin one way--with balloons! I brought her out to the front room, she immediately lit up and begged to be put down on the the ground so we could play with them! She hadn't had very many experiences with them before, at least anything she'd remember. She would effortlessly pick them up, only to try and bite them. We all know how that ends...

After her party with the balloons, we had breakfast. 
I told her she could have all the blueberries she wanted--her favorite.
She would've eaten the whole case, so technically I lied, and just gave her more than usual.  

blooming cactus.  
 

Kevin called me crazy. But is it too much to ask for a good picture on her birthday? Does every wife and mother experience this? Maybe my demands were a little outrageous, considering I found the perfect backdrop in a stranger's lawn. I mean come on, it had a blooming cactus!

We wanted her to dig into her cake, but she wasn't too into the whole idea--then again she didn't know what she was missing out on. So, we'd try again later. And, at least we got ONE nice picture.

the park.

We thought we'd change locations, for obvious reasons, and go to the park. Maybe then she'd dig in.

She wouldn't try the cake. She must have known it was healthy. She took one bite of the frosting, and decided she had enough. For now. 

 But she was rather entertained by the dirt. 
That's my girl.

  Don't worry, we stopped her before she made it to the road. I think she was telling us she had had enough of all the pictures. But we couldn't help watching her explore. Just look at her. 

For the rest of the day we napped and played to her heart content.

third times the charm...

We made a special dinner, one I knew she'd love: spaghetti and meatballs. Then came out the cake, with one handful of frosting missing. We ditched the flowers, and sang her happy birthday. Her hands when up in the air and clapped so happily, knowing we were giving her our full attention.

Have at it little girl.

It looks like she demolished the cake, but in reality, she just pretended to eat it and it all ended up on the floor. That girl didn't take a single bite. But you can bet your bottom dollar she did for breakfast the next day.

We video called my family and sang happy birthday again. We opened presents and this girl was in heaven. We would have to distract her and hide the gift she just opened in order to get her to pay attention to the next. She got a beautiful quilt from Mamaw, block shapes from Papaw & Benser, farm toys and a plush whale from Nee Nee, and all the clothes a girl could dream of from Grandma and Grandpa Jensen.

We really had a great day spoiling her. Tears were shed throughout the day. A lot of them.

That night while lying Eden down for bed. I cried. I cried, because she's not as old as she was yesterday. I cried when she crawled. I cried when she began to eat solids. I cried when she rolled over. I cried when she could sit up. I cried when she could support her head. And that night, I cried. My heart is so full, so overwhelmed with love and joy for that little one. I don't want a day to pass by without telling her I love her. Kissing her cheeks or squeezing her tight. 365 days have passed, and I pray she knows how much I love her. And although I don't want her to grow a single day older, I can't wait to see what this tiny babe accomplishes in her days to come.

I love you baby girl.

#edensgrowinggarden

Here is a little glimpse into the past year with our sweet little Eden:

one month.
August 21, 2016.

time has flown by, and i can't imagine life without this little bug. let's all just freeze for a moment and stay here for a little while. growing up is not allowed.

two months. 
September 21, 2016. 

she's been in five states, discovered four fingers, had three blowouts, been to two national parks and made one mommy so very happy! this past month has been full of changes and chaos, but those beautiful eyes have been more than understanding through it all. she's the sweetest little girl i've ever met; full of snuggles, smiles and of course, spit up.

three months.
October 21, 2016.

not sure if she thinks her reflection is herself, or her best friend; but she could stare at it all day long. that, and eat her toes. this month has been a whirl wind trying to balance being a full time mommy and a full time student. it's a good thing she loves to be on the go. i'd also like to add that she is such a great listener, and an even better conversationalist. thank goodness.

four months.
November 21, 2016.

if her foot wasn't in her mouth, she was destroying the flowers. this girl sure has determination. it's been so fun to watch her grow and develop a unique personality. I don't know what i'd do without her, besides sleep... cause she still hasn't slept through the night. it's a good thing she has an adorable, dimpled smile. but it certainly wouldn't hurt if she'd just laugh already.

five months.
December 21, 2016.

two days ago this babe turned five months old. she just finished her first semester at school and rocked it. she's happily sitting up with all the big kids on campus, and everybody loves her. her smiles are priceless and her rare, little giggles melt your heart. we certainly love our little Eden and her endless, sweet cuddles. we wouldn't have her any other way.

six months.
January 21, 2016.

it's a good thing little miss E has the most adorable voice, because we hear it nonstop. her sweet giggles and squeals somehow calm our every concern; and that smile makes every sleepless night all worth it. we may be tired, but we are certainly happy. what more could we be grateful for than our beautiful, bright-eyed, baby girl.

seven months.
February 21, 2016.

little miss E is officially a mama's girl. i honestly cannot leave the room without her giving a major fit. but it's okay because she now gives the sweetest kisses and cuddles. i love waking up to my nose pinched and hair pulled every morning because as soon as i open my eyes, she's got the biggest grin on her cute, scrunchy, little face. being her mom is the best job out there. here's to forever Eden. you can never get rid of me.

eight months.
March 21, 2016.

see that smile? well, it never leaves her face--even with a double ear infection and two brand spanking new teeth. she's a trooper, that little one. she's grown so much, and i can't help but love her more everyday. one of these days, she's gonna stop calling for me at night and cuddling me in the mornings; so for now, i'll soak up each moment and cradle her a little longer. please don't grow up too fast, my sweet baby girl. not yet.

nine months.
April 21, 2016.

it took nine months, but this girl is finally out of her swaddle. granted, she now needs to cuddle with mom and dad to fall asleep. we're not complaining, and we don't blame her either. there has been a lot of changes this month: finals, graduation, packing, moving, traveling. it's a good thing she loves a change of scenery. little lady has also learned a few tricks of her own: spinning in butt circles, waving hello, giving kisses and army crawling--but only to her papa. otherwise it's buttscooting the whole way. but hey, we're working on it. lots of love to our sweet Eden. how come these nine months have gone so much faster than the last?

ten months.
May 21, 2016.

this little lady is the happiest, giggliest, smiliest lass i know. she can finally push herself up to be sitting upright, and every time she does, she claps with the biggest grin. however, the grass doesn't quite give her the same reaction. but she'll happily hold our fingers so she can run away to escape it. i love her and all of her snuggles. hugs. kisses. and all.

eleven months.
June 21, 2016.

sweet baby E has had an eventful month: five new teeth, went on her 12th plane ride and crossed the country to Florida. and did i mention she finally crawled?! this little gem is slowly coming out of her shell. i've never met a more aware, cautious little one than her. she's learning everyday and teaching me along the way.

twelve months.
July 21, 2016.

aka one year. this month was a big one. with two more national parks checked off the list, and a sad goodbye to utah, we made our way to beautiful arizona. this little sweetheart is now a champ at hiking, camping, swimming, and hasn't forgotten how to buttscoot. watching her and kevin play tag, as well as hide and go seek, might be my new favorite thing. her squeals just kill me. we love you baby girl. with tears in this mama's eyes, i'm reluctant to say: i have a one year old.