Happy Birthday, Maggie Marie!

So, to continue the story, you were a very good baby, and I only had to push for about 30 minutes, and then you were out! But I didn't get to see you right away because you had the cord wrapped around your neck pretty good. They took you straight over to your bassinet and got you going. Since you gave everyone a scare, noone was telling me if you were a girl or boy, so I kept asking (I didn't know about the cord), and the nurse finally told me you were a girl. You were beautiful right from the start-a little squished, and you looked like a little eskimo baby all wrapped up- but you also had red hair! That was something I never expected, but I loved it. Some of the first things I noticed were how soft your skin was, and noticing that you were sucking on your fingers.
The rest is pretty much a blur-after we got settled all of your grandparents and some of your aunts and uncles came in to see you. They thought you were pretty cute, too. That first day we rested in the hospital and showed you off to all our visitors. People commented on your hair and your long fingers. They were also impressed with how alert you were.
Well, I could go on and on about how proud and tired and excited we were, but I think you get the idea...
And now-I can't believe it has been a year, and you are walking, and chatty, and you like to sing little songs (no real words, but you definitely sing) and clap and give high fives and you like to feed yourself. We love you Maggie Marie! Happy Birthday...

Part Two:

This is me exactly one year ago. That is a big baby belly... In this picture we were getting ready to head out to the hospital. It was one week past your due date, and we had an appointment at the doctor's office in the morning. We decided to induce that afternoon (and I thought to myself that August 1 would be a great birthday for you, you did not agree...). We were so excited and nervous. I was pretty much all packed up, and your bassinet was all ready for your arrival.

As we drove to the hospital, I was thinking about how excited I was to see what you looked like, and if you were really going to be a girl like we thought. Your dad made some phone calls to let the grandparents know they would have a new grandkid soon. We got to Gritman and into our room and just settled in. That first day and night we pretty much just sat around, the meds weren't doing too much, but the next morning we got the real stuff, and the contractions started. We watched a few movies, and had visitors, and read a little, and I did a lot of walking the halls of the hospital in my fluffy white robe attached to my IV in hopes that my moving would move you along. That evening things were beginning to hurt more, so I opted for the epidural-it was great. I got a few solid hours of sleep, and then around 3:15 or so things started picking up, and they brought in all of the baby supplies, and turned on the warming light on your bassinet and that is how I knew I was really going to have you soon...

More Walking...

Because the last couple of videos have not truly displayed just how much of a toddler Maggie has become, Sam made this video of Maggie.

Videos!!!

Drinking

Walking

Admiration for Cousin Kaison

Maggie Walking . . .

Finally, a video for you all to see. We look forward to getting back to Moscow where she can walk around with Ridley and Peter, and Gus and Evie, and Colson, and Lucy and Sunny, and . . . . We miss you all.

(Seriously, she is usually a better walker than this, but I think the camera is just too distracting)

To Maggie (Part One)

Exactly one year ago today, I was still pregnant with you, and hoping to go into labor any minute. Well, I didn't. It would be one more week plus one day and two nights (and some pitocin and an epidural...) before I would get to meet you. I loved being pregnant with you. I was so excited when my belly started growing, and when I could feel your little movements inside me. Each stage was so exciting to me. But, at this time last year I was ready to have you out and get your tiny toes out of my ribs...
And now you are walking all over the place, clapping, growling, and you don't like to be fed, so I set a plate out on the floor for you (your highchair is in Moscow) and you love it. You are becoming very independent, and know how you feel about things. One of my favorite things that you do is when you walk straight into my arms and give me a hug. I also love how you will lay your head down on my shoulder and stick your thumb in your mouth when you first get up. You are a very sweet girl...

Date Night

We went out for some sushi and ice cream last night with Maggie. She was pretty good, and very cute, and we made a big mess on the floor (lots of rice...), and she squeeled a lot and scared our waitress. Maggie is getting loud, and shrill-I love it. She also likes to wave to people, and will make cute faces and little noises to try to get their attention and admiration. It usally works.