A Day at the Nashville Zoo

Last Sunday was such a beautiful day, so we decided to take Saralyn to the Nashville Zoo. It was so much fun showing Saralyn the different animals. She calls all animals "dogie" and enjoyed watching the fish the most. She got to play in the Jungle Gym and visit the Critter Encounters (petting area). The monkeys were fun to watch as they swung around and ate their corn on the cob. I had no idea monkeys ate corn. Paul and I enjoyed walking on the Bamboo Trail. We got to see the Hyacinth Macaw (largest flying parrot) up close as one of the bird trainers held her along the walking path. Saralyn really thought that was the coolest 'dogie' she'd ever seen.

I think we stayed to long.... Saralyn has grown horns and ears....Enjoying the monkeys

Giving Mama kisses, 'I love the zoo, mama. Thank you.'

ooo, look at all the fish....

'That's a big dogie'

Daddy & Saralyn looking at the elephants

Riding on the Carosel

Saralyn had a great time riding on the Carousel. She wasn't sure what to think of it at first, going up and down and round and round all at the same time. The first 2 times around she was trying to decide what she thought about it. Then the 3rd time around, she cried just a little, then by the 4th time she was smiling and enjoying the ride. Mama got a little emotional on the ride, too.

Saralyn's First Birthday

First, let me say I made it through the weekend without crying. Second, eventhough, it's come and gone, I still can't believe Saralyn is already a year old. It's funny to me now how people always comment on how fast children grow up. You hear them go on and on about this point and have to kick yourself to keep from rolling your eyes and thinking, "yea, right. Whatever." Then you become a parent and you keep hearing yourself tell anyone who will listen, "she is growing up so fast. I'm afraid to blink." God gives us this presious gift, and it's like mothernature speeds up the clock of life. Not really, but it sure feels this way looking back over this past year. And what a wonderfully blessed year we have had with Saralyn... as a family. She amazes me each and every day. I've learned to exercise the meaning of savoring each moment and mildstone. I'm so thankful to be a stay home mom. I couldn't imagine not being able to watch her roll over for the first time, or turn that rocking motion into a crawl. And to get to see her face each time she tries a new food. To hear her sweet voice and laughter filling our home and hearts. What a joy she is. What purpose she has brought to my life. To my precious daughter, Saralyn, I thank you for coming into my life and making me a 'mama'. I enjoy and savor all our moments together for they are each individually special and have become etched on my heart. I love you deeply and am so proud of you. Happy Birthday, Jitterbug! To all our friends and family, thank you for all your love and support and for celebrating Saralyn's first Birthday with us. You all mean so much to us and I thank you for being an active part of Saralyn's life today, tomorrow and forever.

Saralyn's Butterfly Birthday Party

Paul, our official Butterfly Catcher

Saralyn, our Birthday Princess Butterfly

Hannah 'Butterfly', Saralyn's bested friend

Daddy's little Princess Butterfly

Let's open some gifts....

Saralyn and 'aunt Wendy'
Saralyn and Belinda

Saralyn sitting in the chair from Belinda & Kelly

She loves it!!

I failed to get very many pictures of everyone who helped us celebrate. Lesson learned, Mama can't do everything. Paul manned the video camera, so I'll try to get some video posted soon. We had a house full of family and friends to help us celebrate Saralyn's first Birthday. A special "THANK YOU" goes out to Kimberly for making Saralyn's special Birthday outfit. She made the onesie, tutu and birthday hat. Thank you so much, Kimberly for your time and talents, and for your labors of love.

The "Smashing" Cake

Happy Birthday dear, Saralyn.... Happy Birthday to you

Saralyn wasn't so into "smashing" the cake, she just wanted to eat the icing. Guess mama made it too good. She truely is a princess, not wanting to make a mess and all.

Decorating for Saralyn's Butterfly Party

Butterflies, Butterflies everywhere....

The Banners Kimberly helped me make. What a wonderful keepsake!

Baking for Saralyn's Birthday Party

Let the baking begin.... For Saralyn's first Birthday, I spent several days baking in the kitchen. In order to really appreciate this, you must understand the difference between 'cooking' vs. baking. I love to cook and can whip up just about anything in the kitchen. But my baking skills have not been fully developed (i.e. I'm not much of a baker). My baking history consists of my annual batch of chocolate chip M & M Christmas cookies. With that all said, I made my first birthday cake... a butterfly cake. Or should I say a flock of 6 butterfly cakes and 4 batches of sugar cookies (yes from scratch). I also made Saralyn's personal "smash" cake with sugar free icing made from Lite Cool Whip and sugar-free pudding.