A House Full of Princesses!

I love my daughters!

Each of them so beautiful!

And so amazing.

Change is good!

With the birth of my son just around the corner, literally, I am thinking so much about my littlest girl, and how she's not so little anymore.  I am treasuring this past year and a half of knowing her, watching her grow from the new one in the family, into a tiny little girl who isn't quite a baby anymore, and about to become a big sister!

Here she is- brand new, sweet, and absolutely perfect

And then suddenly, half a year had past!

And then another second passed and she was stuffing her first Birthday cake in her face!

And now- I have this lovely little "almost-big-girl" who has created her own amazing place in our family.

And I adore her even more than that magical day I first held her.

She's not a baby girl anymore!

~

Zaria is 1!

I can't believe how fast this year has gone! I know we always say that, but it is SO true! It was a very short time ago that I was holding a tiny baby girl in my arms who was completely dependent on me. Now I have this toddler (gasp!) who can walk anywhere she wants to, climbs up stairs, talks on the phone, feeds and kisses her baby dolls, and is actually playing with her older sisters and brother! All in the space of one year! It's a bit of a shock to a parent's system I think, but it is an amazing process, and I never tire of watching it happen! She has such a fun and sweet personality, and she gives amazing hugs! I love this little girl and can't picture a day without having known what her smile can do to lift my spirits or imagine what our family would be like with out her! I am so excited to watch as she grows into a little girl with her own unique traits this next year and in the years to come.
We had a little party to celebrate HER on her day! I don't know if she realised it was all about her or not, but she had fun!

Loving her birthday cake!

oh yeah!

Sugar high in 4,3,2...

It's been a long time!

But this says it all!

Did you miss us?!

7 months old and still counting

Zaria is 7 months old! She is now closer to 1 than to 0! And this past month has been a very full one! She got her ears pierced and looks so pretty! She is the proud owner of two teeth with the third not far off! She has discovered FOOD! She's my girl, that's for sure! She wants it and wont give it up once she lays claim to whatever is in her (or your) hand. She is drinking out of a cup and sippy cups. The way she plays with her toys and all of us is so diferent now! She seems so big, and aware, and you can tell she is learning constantly! She is trying to scoot even though she would prefer to NEVER be on her tummy. She is taking steps when holding on to our hands! I never cease to be amazed at how fast the first years goes, or how much they change!

She continues to be so content (when her teeth aren't bothering her. They were really a bugger!) and is so sweet and happy. Her will power is starting to show as well. Don't even TRY to take away that box that she's chewed to a slobbery mass of "eww"- she will tell you off! haha

catch up ball! post #4!!

And



NowShe

Is...

6 months old!

Or at least, she was when these pictures were taken! At the end of April...... ;)
I'm getting there! Almost caught up! Heh, Heh.

catch up ball! post #3

4 1/2 months!

Look at all her hair!

catch up ball! post #2

And this is -

4 months old!

catch up ball! post #1

This was mid February-

3 1/2 months old!

Three Months Old!

When did my tiny newborn suddenly become this little girl? It has gone so fast! We are already in the world of laughing, cooing and teething! I am glad that she still lets me cuddle with her! May that continue for a very long time!

Look how big she looks sitting up here! Ah! We are having so much fun with her as she gets more and more interactive with us. She is so sweet.

A little beauty for your day...

I am in love!

Here it is! Real smiles! Finally caught it on film! And I am in love!

Eranae is so delighted with her baby sister! Can you feel the love?

One month, three pounds and 3 & 1/2 inches later...

Here are a few photos of little Miss Z, taken by her doting Daddy, on her 1 month birthday! If only you could see the rolls, and double chin that are forming! It's pretty amazing! She is still such a sweet, content little girl. She is teasing us with half smiles and really starting to recognise her brother and sisters and especially Daddy! I think I can safely say I am the favorite though! After all, I got the goods! Ha ha!! And there is no question that we all adore her! Can you blame us?! :D

Rock On, Baby!

It's in her blood!

1 and 1/2 weeks old!

A few more pictures!

Thought it was about time to add a few more pictures of the new little lady who is now a week old! Sorry for the delay!

On October 29th we headed to the hospital, to see if we could convince Zaria to come out of hiding. I don't know if any of you know, but I've never had to have an IV for any of my other labors and have pretty much concidered the idea of one worse than labor itself. But here I am, all plugged in..... (and still alive! )

Then began the wait- since my Dr. (bless her little heart) wanted to sleep that night so she decided to wait till the following morning to induce.

Cahira was my companion and hung with me that night and the following morning,. She and Mark made the 24 hours of sitting strapped to a bed much more pleasant! THANKS girl, for being such a sweet help to your Mommy! I'm so glad you were with me! And Mark, I would never want to do this with out you by my side! Thanks for just being.

And then- She was finally here! Beautiful and healthy, so the rest doesn't matter!

Three generations!

First family photo!

FINALLY HOME!

One Week Old!

Zaria Horizon McDowell

Ladies and Gentlemen, here she is!!!
DOB - 10/30/08 2:41pm
Ht - 19 1/4 inches
Wt - 8lbs, 4ozs
Enjoy!