An Update on James

In case you don't speak toddler, here is what she has learned so far!  She will probably have the whole book memorized by the time she's 73.

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:

Greetings.

 

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

And just in case you wondered if all of our memorization pursuits were so righteous...

First Birthday Cake: A Photo Series

(All photos are courtesy of Jon Kemp and may not be used without permission except by co-grandparents)!

 [Myla is much daintier in her approach, and employs the "I will only get up to two fingers dirty while eating" rule.]

 [Piper is more of a "nomnom" kinda girl.]

One Year Later: Piper Joy

Dear Piper,

     I started writing this post months ago in my head but never sat down to write it out.  I kept thinking I would have more time, but alas, you kept growing faster and faster!

     Anyway, here goes.  The day your big sister was born, God turned me into a mama.  The day you were born, I learned what real pain is.  I mean real, my-body-might-break-apart, I-might-die-today pain.  But, when I learned the pain, I learned more about love.  I say this because I would go through it all over again a thousand times over for you or your sister.  It's a scary love, kid. 

     When Myla came into this world, she was a serene little sleepy baby.  When you arrived, you screamed unceasingly at the world and everyone in it.  We chose between two name contenders at the hospital.  One of the options means: "my delight" and your name means: "pipe/flute player."  Girl, you earned it.  I even did something I never thought I would do and asked the sweet nurses to take you away for a few hours so I could take a nap. 

     You are definitely your own person.  Where your sister is quiet and observant, you are quick to speak and act.  You have no fear-- sometimes I am surprised we have made it a full year without any trips to the emergency room!  I don't want to make this too long, but I can not imagine our family without you.  Happy birthday, Piper!

Love,
Mom

P.S. I want to eat your baby rolls and smash my face in your cheeks.

Now for the mandatory trip down memory lane...

 

May/June 2012

[First week of life.  I know this isn't the best picture of you dear, but I just wanted to document that you did, in fact, resemble an insect for a while.  I blame your giant eyeballs.  Don't feel bad.  Myla looked like a tiny old man].

 

July 2012

 

August 2012

 

 

 

      September 2012

[aka Football season, obviously]

 

 

November 2012

 

December 2012

 

January 2013

[Proud sis from the start]!

 

March 2013

[Some moms probably don't let their babies eat themselves into a coma at Casa Ole].

 

April 2013

[April = popsicle season in Texas].

 

May 2013

 [Free public service announcement: spinach enchiladas make cute baby faces but way less cute diapers].

 

 [Our first Skeeter's game!]

[AND first carousel ride for both of you.  Myla was too scared to go on the big one at the rodeo!]

[Rocking that first ponytail.  I'm sure the other babies in the church nursery are totally jealous].

 

 

And finally, this video pretty much documents the personality differences in the two of you: