Yall ready for this?

That line will forever make me think of high school basketball pep rallies.

which has nothing to do with this post... See those chubby little toes in the middle? They're walking now. Hope will turn 1 next week and she is a joy and a blessing all day long. She's very able to make herself known around here. She loves to say hi (which comes out as, "ha") to everyone after naps or waking up in the morning. Her little arm just keeps flapping until everyone says hi back.

She seems a little more interested in being in the middle of life than my other babies were. She isn't really interested in patty cake or reading books, she just wants to be a part of what everyone else is doing. :-) She throws herself at whatever we're doing like she's the boss. One of her favorite past times is trying to splash in the water that drops into the dishwasher door while we're putting away dishes. She has a soft place for John Patrick, which could be because he isn't always trying to lug her around like so many potatoes. :-)

One last little gift Hope gives me every evening at bed...she lays her head on my shoulder for a bit then leans into her crib, curls up in a ball, closes her eyes, sucks her thumb and is out like a light.

You are a joy to watch grow and learn, Hopey. We are all so thankful God gave you to us.

Happy Birthday a little early!!