Giana Turns the BIG 1 Year Old!

Giana turns the BIG 1 year old!

Before we get into it… Melissa and I want to take this time to thank each and every one of you for taking this journey with us. You’ve seen our progress from the baby shower to Giana’s first birthday – and in the span of 1 year, there was so much to enjoy. We could never thank you enough for walking this walk and for being so interested in our baby’s life. Giana is our world and there has been nothing better than sharing our world with such loving family and friends.

As first time parent’s we knew absolutely nothing of what to expect. Sure we were told, but when it comes down to it there are no words to describe the depth of parenthood. You have just got to be there. I suppose that’s why the blog was such a powerful tool for us. Through our photos you all saw Giana develop into this little person. From the good times, to the frustrating times, the scary times, and the loving times, Giana has captured our life in a way so unimaginable. Here's Giana in her month of December.


Giana

The Big Girl!












Giana

Hey... Do ya mind?!
















Giana

Splish Splash I am takin' a bath!












Giana

Loves the water!












Tio Ronnie and Giana

Closer than peanut butter and jelly.












Dad, Giana, and Mom

Blowing out her first birthday candle.












Giana and Friends

Gathering around the birthday girl.












The Mothers

(Nancy and Ian - Melissa and Giana - Ghana and Osaze)

These ladies were all pregnant during our baby shower last year. Here they are with their bundles of joy! Same place, same channel.







Mommy, Giana and Daddy

Cutting the Cake!












Giana

Waiting for Cake!












Giana

Tasting the Cake!












Giana

Wanting more Cake!












Giana

Partying at home for her birthday - again!












Giana

Hanging with her neighborhood buddies.












Giana

Playing in the house.












Giana

Having a wonderful birthday.
















Giana

Getting ready for more birthday cake.












Giana

Eyeing the cake.












Giana

Eating the sweet stuff.












Mom and Giana

Loving each other!












Giana and Antonio

Catch and Kiss???












Giana

Who the heck is this guy?












Giana

What's wit the funny hat?












Giana

Will I get presents now?!












Grandma Alex, Giana, and Grandma Ivette

Playing with Christmas toys.











Giana

Loving her Elmo cell phone.












Giana and Grandma Alex

Robbing Grandma of her jewels.












Grandma Alex

Opening her gifts from Giana and family.












Mommy and Giana

The girls on Christmas day.












Grandpa George

Getting his Christmas gift from Giana.












Grandpa George and Giana

Spending time on Christmas.












Tio Ronnie and Giana

Unwrapping the gifts on her 2nd Christmas.












Giana and Daddy

Tearing the gifts.












Giana

The day after!












Mommy and Giana

In the winter gear.












Giana

Modeling her knitted hat and sweater.

(Courtesy of Laura Brown)

See me if you are interested in knitted items. Laura does fantastic work!











Giana

Practicing her Baby Gap pose.












Mommy and Giana

Looking good in her taxi-cab hat.












Giana and Dad

Going for an early morning ride.












Giana

Taking a holiday shot.
















Giana

Posing for the holidays.
















The Velez Family

Our little family.

















Let's take a trip down memory lane!

See Giana throughout the months!

So what did we learn over the year.................

There is no greater love than that of having a child. Though we try to express it in detail, it often becomes difficult because in all reality there is never anything enough to express this love. All I can say is that the love we give to our daughter must be an example of the love God gives us... and for that ability we ought to thank God! He has opened our eyes to the beauty and meaning of life and has taught us that nothing else is more important. With that, I say to love your family, love your God, and love those that are dear to your life. Love them the best you can for Love is the essence of life.

May God always keep you blessed and in good harmony with your loved ones.

God Bless you always!

Matt, Melissa, and Giana