Happy First Birthday

Isabella Marie Mendibles turned one on December 23, 2009. It is so surreal that she's already one. I know people say all the time that time flies, but it really has. She is by far the happiest baby. In fact when we got back from AZ she was not feeling well. I took her into the Dr. and she commented Bella was by far the happiest sick baby she'd ever seen. She smiles and laughs all the time. She loves to clean up after herself and she ABSOLUTELY loves her big brother. When Nicolas comes home from school she lights up when he walks in the door.
She is not even interested in walking. She is one of the fasted crawlers I've ever seen. It is so interesting to see just how different her and Nicolas are/were. He walked when he was 10 months old and she has no desire. Nicolas was well, Nicolas even at 1. Bella is just a precious little girl. Not that Nicolas wasn't the cutest little boy and well behaved he just had his temper tantrums very early and they still haven't gone away.
Bella loves to climbed the stairs she's just not to sure about going down them. She eats anything we give her, except for green beans and peas. She loves to explore and reach for the highest item she can get.
Her birthday was celebrated in Tucson on December 28th. We invited some family and friends over to my Mom and Larry's house. We bought her cake from Costco so it fed 48 people. It worked out for the best so she could have her own side of the cake to play with. Nick thought it was best to let her dig right in and dig she did. She was up until 9:15 that night. Her usual bedtime is 5:30 pm or 6:00 pm and then gets up around 7:00 am. She had so much sugar in her. I think I could see it crystallizing right in her eyes.
She got some very fun toys. One of which was a giraffe with a homemade tutu and Bella got her own matching tutu. Brandi, my brother Sean's girlfriend, makes them. If you need anything homemade and crafty for babies contact Brandi Vanleer at bvanleer23@hotmail.com. She's a great at making just about anything. The toys will make it out to San Diego when we arrive on February 1st. Bella also got some VERY cute outfits. She did pack more shoes than I did. At least right now she's a princess. I'm sure she'll rebel and become an emu and paint her nails black and wear heavy black makeup. Although if Nick or I have anything to say she won't even leave the house dressed like that.
I believe that Nicolas and Vanessa's older daughter, Sydney, will be getting married. When they are in their 30's. They had fun together. Natalie, Vanessa's youngest, wanted to help open all the presents. She was a great helper. Melissa came to the party with her Mom. I had seen either of them since my Freshman year in college. We went to high school together. She brought her little boy named Andrew. He was shy at first but then he opened up and had a great time. Of course Alyssa and Andrew were there. Nicolas wouldn't know what to do if he didn't get to see his cousins. Angel and her parents, Nick's Aunt and Uncle came and brought Nick's Grandma. Mackenzie drove down to see "me" but mainly Isabella. Sean and Brandi were there as well as my good friend Monica and her Mom Gail. It was perfect weather for an outside party with great friends and family.
We are in a 2 week countdown. The moving company will be here in two weeks from yesterday. It all seems crazy at how fast it's all happening. It's gotta happen soon so............
I'll let you know how the move goes and how each child did while in the car that long. I'm excited. I love road trips. It should be an experience.
Love ya,
E