I’m not going to use the phrase “we made it” because that implies we’re done. In reality it really has only just begun. However, having said that, we have reached a milestone. Anne Marie turned one on Friday, 22 March. It was a birthday we weren’t sure we would ever get to. So we went big. Big cake, big party, big decorations, big food.
The following pictures are a small recap of the year that was Anne Marie. For those unfamiliar with her story, you can go to the archive calendar on the right side of the blog and go back to Marc of 2012. Thats where it all started. Well actually it started with this post in December of 2011: Twins!?! Really!?! So start there and read forward to catch up if you like.
For now here is a pictorial review: Anne Marie Year One
Day 1. 22 March 2012 1lb 12oz 12 in long
Great grip for a baby 3 months pre-mature. Another golfer I think.
What do you mean “we’re Italian?”
“I got your 1 pound baby right here bro.” BOOM
Hey, where’s that breast milk I ordered! And turn up the heat, it’s freezing in here!
You just refuse to cut those nose hairs, don’t ya.
It’s been one of those days.
Ok dad, I’m bored. Can I go home now?
Big brother’s first contact.
Going Home! Can I get an Amen from the congregation!
Actual first contact. We told you she was real Frank.
Here’s looking at you kid.
Bath time. Who farted?
Don’t mess with the preemie!
A preemie stands prematurely.
Share? Share what? What is this, the collective?
Birthday time! To the NICU with cupcakes stat!
And to see Nurse Paula.
Then to see sister and say thanks for saving me. The bear is still there after a year.
The cake. Dad’s not the Boss, more like The Cake Janitor.
Eh, it makes him happy.
Finally go time on the smash cake!
Happy Birthday to me!
Wait I could have cake instead of puree’d squash all this time?
What a year. It flew by.
Next step – walking, and then a golf club.
Thanks to all who have helped get us to this point. A particular Franks Place shout out to Becky and Peter Kraslawsky, Marisa and John Stone, and Paul Hahn, without whom we literally would not have made it through those trying days before and immediately after that bittersweet day.
Frank's Place 
Congratulations on passing Year 1 with flying colors! 🙂
Thanks. And thanks for the visit tot Frank’s Place. We’re always open.
Wow. what an amazing year, with such a sad and scary start. I love that you’re blogging about this, because it is a concrete legacy for her when she grows up, as well as for her brother. Congratulations. I’d be celebrating big, too!
Appreciate it Mimi. Digging your blog. At some point I hope to slow things down and try the chicken burger recipe.
Fran,
That is great news and happy birthday Anne Marie. Leader of our mens group asked about her just last week. Guys are still praying for her. I will share this news.
God bless pal and best to you and your family.
Dave
Hey Dave. Thanks man. Your family here and in Arizona has been a tremendous help.
Beautiful. Happy Birthday!
Blessings,
LT DeBord
Thanks LT.
No words, Fran. There are no words, because you said it best!
Love from Aunt Clare
Thanks Aunt Clare. Appreciate that.
Fran – Thanks for sharing the pictures with us. She looks like she isn’t taking any nonsense from anybody! Love, Aunt Marge
Hey Aunt Marge, thanks. Yeah Frank is gonna have his hands full once she starts walking. She’ll be almost as tall as him.
Beautiful!!! I’m so proud! My heart is so full of happiness for you and your whole family!!!
Thanks Shirley!
Avec un peu de retard faites de gros bisous à ANNE-MARIE pour son first birthday joy
Merci Joy!
I’ve looked at these pictures so many times and marvel at this precious angel’s strength and the miracle that she is! That cake is awesome! We may have to have a bake off! Lots of love to all of you!
Thanks. The cake was supposed to have glass sides and a top with another layer of cake but I could not get one side to stand up. The one in the picture was the fall back. Hard to tell from that shot but it was a little thrown together. Not as clean as your Miss America cakes.
I am so delighted to see first birthday photos of your little princess. It’s been some journey just watching on from this distance. Well done and congratulations to all of you! Happy birthday Anne Marie!
Thanks Ellie, appreciate it.
[…] the Liebster award, I nominate another Frank at Frank’s Place. He is a stay at home dad who has a son, but also just celebrated the first birthday of his […]
Hi Frank! I’ve nominated you for a Liebster award. I really love what you’re doing in the blog and I’m sorry, but I think it’s cool that you’re a guy writing this blog!!!
You can choose to follow through with nominating other blogs, but I just wanted to say no pressure. I am personally only nominating one blog per award I receive. I am honored by awards, but they have been too much work for me in the past.
here is the link: http://chefmimiblog.com/2013/04/05/awards/
Hey thanks Mimi! I appreciate it. I believe I will pass this along. A lot of good blogs out there to nominate. Thanks again.
What a beautiful and touching celebration! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks Laila, and thanks for stopping by Frank’s Place. We’re always open. 🙂