Brenna Helen Marie is 13 months old!

Beautiful Brenna,

 As I was uploading these photos, I had a brief thought that maybe I shouldn't do these monthly posts anymore now that you're past 12 months...but it's such a great excuse to put you in a cute outfit and do a photo shoot. And when I get photos like this, why would I ever think about stopping?!

Looking like a little snow bunny rockin' boots with the fur!

Brenna, lately I've been feeling our wonderful connection grow even deeper. It's hard to describe, but it goes beyond the unconditional love between mother and child, to a powerful connection where we're flat-out obsessed with each other. I felt that bond with Connor about this age too (so maybe I don't like the "baby stage" as much as I've always thought I did?? :) )

You are SO much fun to be around right now. You're exploring without dependence on me more and more, and several times lately I've left the room with you sitting only to come back to find you lying on your side, still stretching out trying to reach something. I don't think it will be long before you figure out you can actually move.

What is this contraption???

You are smiling and cooing like crazy - but laughing is rare. Both of my babies were the more serious type it seems. You are starting to love your jumperoo, checking out all the toys and bouncing around like you own the place.

And if your brother isn't around for some reason, you are BORED. You get all irritated, like "NOW what am I supposed to do?" His constant movement and chatter keep you very happy.

watching Connor of course!

You are making great progress with your therapies, and since the sessions are now at home, it's not stressful on either of us - double bonus! Though it's still not preferred, you've realized that being put on your tummy doesn't mean that we're trying to kill you...

on my tummy and not screaming!

Oh my little nugget. You are so perfect. I hope as you grow up, you can see yourself through our eyes because we are so crazy in love with you and everything about you. And we love that your favorite place is in our laps when our whole family is together. We like to think you're crazy in love with us too :)

Happy 13 months, Brenna Helen Marie. I heard a beautiful lyric recently from the Chris Tomlin song "God of Our City" that said: Greater things have yet to come; and greater things are still to be done" and  it filled my soul with hope and excitement for the future of our family. As much as you have touched the lives of so many people, I know there are even greater things to come from you...and great things that I will get to experience every day with you.