Celebrations!

January is full of celebrations for us.  In the past week we have celebrated the New Year, our 4th anniversary, and Quinn's first birthday!  We decided to go ahead and throw Quinn a little party with some friends before we moved.  We will literally be moving into our new home on Quinn's birthday, so we wanted to make sure that we had a chance to celebrate.  Hopefully we will be able to celebrate more with some family after the move. 

 Quinn seemed to love all the attention at her party.  I know its pretty common for kids to panic or cry in these situations but Quinn seemed to feed off of all of the energy.  This cracked me up because Matt and I are not big party people. 

 I made Quinn's birthday cake.  It was so fun!  It was made of funfetti cake with vanilla buttercream frosting.

I think Quinn liked it too.  She had no problem digging in.  We have waited until this point to give her any type of sugary treat (besides what our family members have snuck her).  I'm glad she enjoyed it!

 

 

 more party treats...I made too many and now I can't stop eating these :/

 This was the toy that Matt and I gave Quinn.  She seems to really like it.  Excuse the bedhead here-haha  Quinn is trying like crazy to walk.  We have seen her take multiple steps.  Miss my little baby but I am really enjoying the fun of having a toddler.  Although I am a little concerned about the whole discipline thing.  We have already witnessed a few tantrums...luckily they are still pretty cute and don't last very long!

 

 

And this one is for us.  Matt and I made it through the first year of parenthood.  It's officially not about us anymore, and I think it's better that way.  I am so thankful for the way Matt has supported me through this past year.  Becoming a mother was a tough transition for me and he showed me a lot of grace.  Matt has made becoming a dad look easy.  I am so thankful for how God grows us closer each year!

As I reflect on this year, I am just so thankful.  Thankful for God's amazing grace and mercy (these words have taken on a new meaning this past year).  Thankful that the best is yet to come.  And, thankful for God's blessings and gifts in our lives.  My resolution for 2014 is to surrender my expectations to the Lord and see what happens.  And, as a true American would say, work out more :)