A lot of "firsts" this week

Over the weekend, we took Alli to the Greenville Zoo for the first time...I think she liked it, but probably would have enjoyed it more had she had more sleep Friday night. She's been waking up during the night fussing for almost 2 weeks now. We think she's having bad dreams. She's been such a great sleeper, so hopefully this too will pass.

Now that the weather has gotten warmer, Chris put Alli's swing up on the swing set in the back yard. She wasn't so sure about it, but is getting more used to it. (It also happened to be St. Patrick's Day, hince the shirt.)
We also took her to Bruster's Saturday for some ice cream. Even though it was her first ice cream experience, she knew exactly what to do. They have "baby cones" for the little ones...heck, she was done with that baby cone by the time Chris and I got ours and was ready to dig in. Alli LOVES ice cream! (Chris got a picture on his phone...will post later).

Over the weekend, Alli decided she would let go and start walking on her own! Yea Alli! She's been so close for so long. She's been doing the cruising thing for 2-and a half months. This of course means...we're in trouble now! Thank goodness for baby gates, which we still need to purchase! She's now all about pushing the stroller instead of riding in it too!

We had a busy week/weekend! We also joined First Presbyterian Church in Greenville. Alli will be baptized next month.

We took Alli to the doctor this morning for her 1-year-check-up. Dr. Wilson said she was exceptional, (but we weren't suprised :-). He especially liked her showing him "scrubby-scrubby." This is when she rubs her belly likes she's washing at bath time. She had to have her finger pricked for the first time today and also got 3 vaccines. She was none too thrilled about that, but was a trooper. Here are her 1-year stats:

weight: 24.4 lbs (89th percentile)

height: 30.5 in. (85th percentile)

head circumference: 18 in. (65th percentile)

One healthy kid...thank the good Lord!

Happy 1st Birthday Alli!

Alli, Chris, and I were blessed to have so many come to wish Alli a Happy 1st Birthday! It was definitely a day that we will remember for a long time!

Alli definitely enjoyed opening all the presents. She especially loved the bows and paper!

The cake was yummy too!

All in all, it was a wonderful day! Thank you for being a part of Alli's special day!

(More photos below!)

Alli's Birthday Week...it's the big ONE!

The big ONE is almost here for Alli! Alli turns 1 on Sunday! Hooray! I can't believe she's been around for a whole year! I thank the Lord everyday that he gave us such a wonderful little girl to look after. Her smile can light up a room, her little giggle makes you chuckle. She's such a sweet baby, and besides more sleep, I can't remember life without her!
In preparation for Sunday's festivities, I've been working on the fondant animals for her cake...we're doing an "Old MacDonald" theme. I've done a cow, sheep, pig, duck, and a few bumble bees all out of fondant icing. I must say, I was suprised at how well they turned out. Hopefully, the rest of the cake will turn out as good. Will post pics when I finish the cake!
Besides birthday plans, not much else going on at the Sielicki house. Alli still has a cough, but has pretty much gotten over the croup. Hopefully, we'll all stay well at least until after Sunday.
Alli received her first birthday present in the mail yesterday...a "happy" from Great-Nona and Zia. Many thanks to you both!

Snow Day

Mother nature decided to bring us 6 inches of snow Sunday. It was great! I can't remember the last time it snowed so hard or such big flakes. We had a snow day on Monday which gave us the opportunity to build a snowman (yes, a redneck snowman...a spray painted face!). We had no produce/coal for a face, so we improvised. Alli did not know what to think of the snow, although she did enjoy tasting it!

Tuesday night Alli started again with the croopy cough, so we went back to the pediatrician yesterday, and he said she had the beginnings of the croop again and put her on steroids. I'm glad we caught it early before we ended up in the emergency room. She seemed to cough less last night. Hopefully, we can get her well and keep her well through her 1st birthday next weekend!

Alli has tooth number 3 on top now peaking through, and we're waiting for number 4 to pop through anytime. I'm glad I can't remember teething. It seems pretty traumatic!

We took Alli over the weekend to have her 1-year-old pictures made. She was a doll. She looked so cute in her little dress from Auntie Amy, and she was just a cutie.