Happy birthday, Eloise Joy!

Eloise's first birthday was Saturday, October 8th!  It is so amazing to me to watch her growing into a little person.  Truly we are blessed to have her as our daughter. 
Although we did not have a party she still received a lot of presents!  She was more intrigued with the wrapping paper than the actual gifts, until she got to her Grandma Williams' prize. 




Grandma Williams made Eloise Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls!  Eloise loves dolls!  She lights up when she sees then and converses with them at length.   

Among her gifts was a cozy custom coat from her aunts Veronica and Victoria at Bella Jean Boutique, just in time for our blustery weather!



Aunt Susie made Eloise a very special birthday cake.  (Note: This is home video... :-)

Here's what my birthday girl did while I blogged about her!

Ah, How Great is God's Blessing!

"Ah, how great is God's blessing in marriage! How great a joy posterity affords a man! It certainly is the most delightful joy of parents!" 
-Martin Luther, What Luther Says #401

Ten months ago yesterday, we were blessed beyond comparison with the birth of our daughter, Eloise Joy.  The story of her early arrival and subsequent weeks in the hospital are told here and here.


Through the glass of her isolette



At two weeks old, we could hold her almost whenever we wanted to... We were longing to bring her home!



I love this picture. 

  

The doll to the left was the closest we could find to Eloise's birth size, and it was still too big!

 

Same baby, same carseat, ten months later!


 

She is just starting to play with her dolly.  (same dolly that out-sized and out-weighed her)



Giving kisses!



Our big girl!  Look at her go!