This will be my last update. It’s hard to believe but it has been a full year since that frantic email David and I sent announcing Morgan’s arrival. We want to thank all of our friends and family that helped us make it through the 1^st year of parenthood. We have certainly had some ups and downs, but through it all, we look at our sweet baby Morgan and thank God for all that He has blessed us with.

So what has Morgan been up to the last couple of months? She is still moving everywhere. We have felt that she has been on the brink of walking unaided for awhile and wouldn’t be surprised if it happens in the next few weeks.  We have given her some objects such as a push toy that help her walk throughout the house. Morgan now has 6 teeth, 4 upper and 2 lower, which have allowed us to increase the variety of food we give her. She can eat about anything these days. She loves my carrot soup and homemade stuffing, but really prefers anything she can pick up herself as she likes to be independent.  Recently, Morgan tried real milk for the 1^st time and it didn't phase her.  As long as her milk is relatively warm and in the right sippy cup, she will drink it up.

Morgan had a great 1^st birthday. We kept it somewhat small with family and close friends. She is very spoiled and has toys everywhere.  We gave Morgan her birthday cupcake and she consumed it like a pro.  She started with the frosting and the proceeded to eat the Full Monty!  Luckily, mom got to clean up the mess afterwards. We did forget to put Morgan’s bib and bday hat on, so we may need to reenact the scene for pictures.

On Morgan’s actual birthday we planned to have a mini party with just the three of us, but unfortunately she got sick. Morgan came down with RSV, which is a serious respiratory virus that can be tough on little ones, especially preemies. We had to give her breathing treatments every 3 - 6 hours and use the nose suction bulb frequently.  She finally got over it recently.  We did manage to give her a popsicle on her birthday, but she likes those better when it’s warm outside. 

We took Morgan to her 1 year apt last week. She is now 18 lbs, 9 ounces and 27 ½ inches tall.  She is starting to grow taller and doesn't have quite the beer gut she once had. 

Morgan experienced a few new things over the past few months.  She met Santa Claus a couple of times.  Unfortunately, the day she met Day Care Santa was the same day she got her 1-year immunizations.  As you might expect, she was not very happy in the picture.  She also went to the playground with her San Antonio cousins, tested out the swings and slide (still not sure about these things), went to her 1^st Stars game and celebrated Thanksgiving (she likes the food as much as her parents do). Morgan loves Balls, more than any other toys, she gravitates to anything round!  Later this week, we are heading to Tampa to celebrate Christmas with her Grandmother Howarth, Aunt Sara and Cousin Kendall. 

Thank you again for all the support you have provided this year.  We hope you have a blessed year in 2009.

Best Regards,

David, Meredith and Morgan