happy birthday, sweet baby a!

Today is A's birthday. And, in typical neglected second-child fashion, she is celebrating by getting shots and sent off to daycare...what fun! Tonight, we'll probably head to our favorite haunts -- Foster's Grille and Pickle Bob's for dinner and ice cream, and then home again to open the rest of her presents.

Honestly, I don't think there is anything more amazing that the changes that a baby goes through in the first year of life...and A is no exception. Here's a little snapshot of what A was like on September 25th, 2006 compared to today.

A: Way Back Then...

• Weight: 9 pounds 6 ounces (and no drugs for Mommy!)
  
• Length: 21 3/4 inches
  
• Hair: Short, straight and black
  
• Eyes: Dark gray, not open for too long of stretches
  
• Health: Not good. Spent first week in NICU with lung infection.
  
• Diet: IV fluids, then breastmilk
  
• Skills: None
  
• Likes: None
  

A: Today...

• Weight: 24 pounds even
  
• Length: 32 inches
  
• Hair: Crazy, light brown and curls
  
• Eyes: Big, beautiful blue eyes
  
• Health: Perfect!
  
• Diet: Anything and everything! Particular favorites include bananas, yogurt, pasta, and Pickle Bob's ice cream
  
• Skills: Impersonating Frankenstein (aka, walking); talking ("Uh oh!", "Mama", "Dada"); climbing the stairs; pulling sister's hair; playing musical instruments (cowbell and maracas are favorites)
  
• Likes: Laughing, music, peek-a-boo, chase, knocking over towers of legos and stacked cups