Happy Birthday Gabriela

The cutest little girl on the earth turned one year old today.

Gabriela Rae Coburn (I hope I spelled that right)- is celebrating at the moment by actually, finally laying down for a nap. All of us here in Atlanta are hoping that she gives herself the gift of a nice long nap. She's been really struggling with getting back into a regular sleep rhythm. She and her Uncle have at least that much in common. But she's wayyyyyy cuter.

Today is day two here and Gabriela has already managed to pretty much laugh and smile the whole time. She is soooo much bigger than the last time I saw her. In fact, Ali gave me a picture of the last and first time I met Peanut (back in August at just two months). Back then, she was small enough to take a nap on my chest. Now, she has teeth, walks, and can even say "Bob" (she likes bob as a name for lots of things). She is super strong and can easily push things over, pull things down, and rip pages out of books. She is also incredibly fast. She can be out of your arms, crawl across the room, and have ten things in her mouth before you've finished picking the booger you were working on. Keeps you on your toes. 

Ali, Judy, and I were the first this morning to get to wish Gabriela happy birthday. We sang her the birthday song and clapped together (this is also one of her favorite things to do). We then got to witness the opening of the first present which was this totally great sand/water/train/sandcastle structure complete with shovels, removable (and thus throwable) trains. Grae was mostly interested in taking it apart. You gotta admit- there's totally something strangely cathartic about taking something apart. 

Anyhow- I learned from Ali that Gabriela was officially born at 1:05pm last year. And I still remember being in Bozeman with Granny when Phil's call came. I remember Grandma having almost laid down for her nap, but upon hearing my voice downstairs, her running down the stairs to grab the phone from me. That was awesome. I have never seen her move that fast. 

We celebrated in Bozeman with Grandpa, Grandma, Leah, and myself.

The crew here is getting ready for the birthday celebration that officially takes place tomorrow. Bunches of other little ones will be here (accompanied by the parental units of course). Ali's sister and her cute little ones will be here as well as other dear friends. In total I think there's going to be around 45! Gonna be great.

Happy Birthday Gabriela-