Everett has been smiling and cooing a lot lately. In this video we get a little bit of everything: smiling, cooing, sneezing, yawning and a little surprise at the end.

Eisley has been into impersonating Cookie Monster lately. In this video, she gives her best impression.

At the end of January you crossed another milestone and turned 18-months-old. It has been quite awhile since we have had time to sit down and log all of the wonderful memories, mainly because we are continually busy making those memories and watching with astonishment as you grow.

You are talking all the time now and you love to run around and play. You definitely have shown a love of the outdoors, complete with digging in the dirt and sand. Mommy finds it funny when you and Daddy decide to play hide-and-seek around the house and I get the pleasure of listening  to you look for him by calling out, “Daddddeeeeee…Daddddeeee” until you figure out where he is hiding.

You have recently discovered Elmo and your parents were awfully surprised to hear you say his name when we hadn’t really exposed you to anything Elmo-related. Now that he seems to be a part of your daily vocabulary we have incorporated a little bit of Sesame Street watching and even an Elmo doll which travels around the house with you quite a bit.  Usually along with Elmo is your ‘wuvee’.  You have had your lovey blanket since you were born, but you have a newfound attachment to it and it usually goes with you everywhere. Sometimes it is hard to convince you that you don’t need it while eating or taking a bath!

The past few months have been very busy with the holidays and other life events. We found out a few months ago that Mommy is having a baby in May, and we also found out that the baby will be your brother. We are so excited with anticipation to see you and your brother together for the first time, and then growing up side by side every day after. You seem to have a great love and fascination with babies, so we suspect that you will be a very attentive and doting big sister.

Due to the fact that your brother will be here before we know it, Mommy and Daddy decided to sell our current house (it was a very difficult decision) and buy a new one that we will move into in the next month or two once it’s finished. We did a lot of searching for just the right place for you to grow up, and we feel good about the choice that was made.

You had a great deal of fun during the holidays getting more than spoiled by all of your grandparents and family, and maybe Mommy and Daddy did just a little bit of spoiling too. You have lots of fun new ‘big girl’ toys to play with and they keep you busy on a regular basis. It was fun to see your excitement and interest this year in all of the Christmas lights and our tree. You got the concept of opening presents to some degree and while you would participate, you seemed to burn out after a bit.

At eighteen months of life, Mommy and Daddy are continually amazed at all of the things that you are able to do and say. You are learning more and more about your independence, and while sometimes that creates a few speed bumps in parenting, it is enjoyable to watch nonetheless. You seem to grasp concepts so quickly and through those beautiful eyes of yours we can see that brain working away. Thank you for being so lovable and enjoyable. Thank you for providing us with daily smiles and laughs. Thank you for being you, Eisley.

We love you,

Mommy and Daddy

Interesting note: she’s definitely more coordinated with her left hand than her right. Courtney is excited that our daughter may be a lefty.

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Well, here it is. The day has come, and you, my dear, are now one entire year old. This time last year, Mommy and Daddy were headed bright and early to the hospital to prepare to bring you into the world. You took some time making your entrance, and at exactly 6:07 pm you arrived. The first time we laid eyes on you and heard your sweet cry we fell in love with you more than either of your parents ever thought was possible. Daddy kept you company while the nurses weighed you and made sure you were okay, and you took the time to let him know that you already recognized him by wrapping your tiny little hand around his finger. Mommy suspects that it was that exact moment that you stole his heart.

When they placed your little swaddled warm body in my arms and our eyes met, I honestly couldn’t believe it. You see, Mommy and Daddy often refer to you as ‘the survivor’. You were the strongest one. There is much more to that story, and one day we will share everything with you. Just know that we are forever thankful for your strength and resiliency.

We look at you today and are constantly amazed by the wonderful child in our presence. You are so sweet and good-natured, and quite a social little being (possibly living up to your Leo status). You never hesitate to share your adorable smile with others.

You have the most beautiful eyes, and they shine so brightly all the time. People are forever commenting on your eyes and they, along with those mile-long lashes of yours, will no doubt be used as artillery against your parents in the future. Daddy and I will be fully preparing ourselves for that day (but you might just win anyway).

It’s a true joy to watch your exploration of the world on a daily basis. You have a great curiosity and a need to figure out how things work. In fact, your inquisitiveness sometimes leaves your parents breathless from trying to shut a door or put an item up high. We realize that at this age learning typically doesn’t take place when sitting still, and all the darting about Mommy and Daddy do is good for our health.

You are right on the verge of walking, and it is so exciting to see. You can stand alone now and we know that those first little steps are going to happen soon. Then there will be no stopping you!

Your personality is shining through all the time, and you have a way of making us laugh often as you imitate us. From all of the fun we have now, Mommy and Daddy get to see glimpses of what you will be like when you are a little older. We think you are an amazing child and such a beautiful little being. It has been said so many times before, but how lucky we are to have you in our lives.

Thank you, Eisley, for being the strongest one. Our lives are forever changed because of you, and in such a fantastic and incredible way.

We love you more than you can possibly imagine,

Mommy and Daddy

From her parents, Eisley received a comfy chair with her name embroidered on it.

Video: Eisley gets a chair for her birthday

Later that afternoon, Granna (Courtney’s mom) brought over two cupcakes, one for her and one for Eisley. Thursday was Granna’s birthday as well. When it was time to eat, Eisley knew exactly what to do. She promptly picked up the cupcake and shoved it into her face. She quickly turned a perfectly formed cupcake into a sugary disaster.

Video: Eisley eats a cupcake

Eisley had a big day on Saturday. From 10:00 – 12:00, she had all her friends over to the house to celebrate her one year birthday. The parents stood around and watched the kids swim in one (or all) of three swimming pools, play in the sandbox, ride in the wagon or hide in the castle. About halfway through the chaos we took a break to watch Eisley devour a swimsuit cake that Granna made for her. This one was more of a challenge than the cupcake, but she fared pretty well.

Video: Eisley eats cake at her birthday party

After filling up on sugary goodness, Eisley took another dip in the pool, then played at the sand table with her cousin Finley.

Video: Other activities at the party

Thanks go to everyone who helped make Eisley’s birthday a special occasion.

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Some of the activities Eisley enjoyed while Eric was in town were:

• A trip to the Frio river
• A day at Dick Nichols park
• A day at Barton Springs pool
• The 4th of July in Pipe Creek, Texas
• Backyard lounging in the baby pool
• Plenty of eating out
• Lots of family gatherings

Of course the camera was always nearby and we got a few pics of them together. Eric, Eisley already misses you and can’t wait to see you again.

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