Flotsam

151 Comments

1. Heather
   Posted February 8, 2009 at 9:20 am | Permalink

   Happy Birthday Beautiful Girl!

2. ccr in MA
   Posted February 8, 2009 at 9:21 am | Permalink

   How wonderful to see how far she’s come! Happy birthday, Simone.

3. Betty M
   Posted February 8, 2009 at 9:26 am | Permalink

   Happy Birthday!

4. Celia
   Posted February 8, 2009 at 9:27 am | Permalink

   Happy Happy Birthday!

5. jonniker
   Posted February 8, 2009 at 9:32 am | Permalink

   AHHH! Look at her! She’s so gorgeous! And has changed so much! (Why do babies do that? Why must it all go SO FAST?)

   Oh I adore her. Happy birthday, Simone.

6. Claire
   Posted February 8, 2009 at 9:36 am | Permalink

   Happy birthday, darling girl.

7. Erica
   Posted February 8, 2009 at 9:39 am | Permalink

   It is so amazing to see how far she has come in a year. Wonderful job on the video! Happy Birthday Simone!!!

8. Michell
   Posted February 8, 2009 at 9:53 am | Permalink

   Happy birthday!!!!

9. Trish
   Posted February 8, 2009 at 10:10 am | Permalink

   Happy birthday dollface!

10. Meg
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 10:11 am | Permalink

    Happy Birthday!
    She is amazing :)

    Great job on the video

11. tash
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 10:17 am | Permalink

    Oh sweetie, happy, happy birthday. I could just swim in your eyes.

12. Mo
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 10:18 am | Permalink

    Happy Birthday Simone! She’s beautiful! What a difference a year can make!

    Mo

13. Erin
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 10:18 am | Permalink

    Wow! It’s so amazing to see all of that put together! Happy Birthday Simone!

14. Elizabeth
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 10:24 am | Permalink

    Happy Birthday Simone!

15. Heather
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 10:41 am | Permalink

    this is so great! happy birthday to your sweet girl!

16. Colleen
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 10:45 am | Permalink

    Happy Birthday Simone!

17. Rebekah
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 10:49 am | Permalink

    What a SUPER BABY! She’s gorgeous. Happy Happy Day!

18. Cara
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 10:56 am | Permalink

    Happy Birthday Simone!

19. elizabethk
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 10:56 am | Permalink

    Happy Birthday, to your dear one, on her first birthday!

20. Belinda
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 11:04 am | Permalink

    Great big sobs of joy- how far she has come = what a fighter she is!

21. Hairy Farmer Family
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 11:04 am | Permalink

    Happy Birthday sweetheart! Having a little wee sniffle here over the video.

22. clarabella
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 11:05 am | Permalink

    Happy Birthday, Simone! You’ve come such a long way in just one year! Thanks for letting us tag along.
    And Happy Simone’s 1st Birthday, Alexa. You deserve presents and cupcakes too!

23. Sarah
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 11:05 am | Permalink

    What a little champ she is! Happy Birthday Simone!

24. Birds and Squirrels
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 11:13 am | Permalink

    Happy Birthday Simone! Thank you for that video. I can’t believe how much she has changed!

25. Kate
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 11:14 am | Permalink

    Oh my…straight from heaven, that girl is. She’s a beauty.

    Happy 1st Birthday Miss Simone. You’re an amazing girl.

26. Heather
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 11:19 am | Permalink

    Happy Birthday beautiful girl!!

27. Heather
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 11:19 am | Permalink

    Wow, she is such a beautiful miracle, and this video is so perfect. Such a lively, chubby one-year-old! I can’t believe a whole year has gone by since she was born!

    Congratulations!

28. Farah
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 11:22 am | Permalink

    Happy Birth Day!

29. Katie Slater
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 11:26 am | Permalink

    Oh so tear-inducingly beautiful. Happy birthday Simone!

30. Susanna
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 11:47 am | Permalink

    Happy happy birthday Simone!! I love the video– it’s perfect. I may have to copy you and make one myself…

31. D.
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 12:07 pm | Permalink

    Wow, just wow. Happy Birthday, gorgeous Simone!

32. Jen
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 12:17 pm | Permalink

    Happy birthday, you brave, beautiful girl, Simone!

33. cindy
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 12:21 pm | Permalink

    Simply precious! Happy 1st Birthday, Simone!

34. Emily
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 12:26 pm | Permalink

    Happy Birthday Simone!

35. betsy kinkead
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 12:26 pm | Permalink

    The video brings tears to my eyes. Happy Birthday Simone. You are a little miracle! Before you know it, Alexa, she’ll be 16 and asking for the keys to the car.

36. Liv
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 12:37 pm | Permalink

    I’m crying watching this, remembering all the days that were so scary, tiring, and exciting. I can’t believe it has been a year already.

    Happy Birthday Super Girl.

    And Happy Momversary Alexa.

37. Valerie
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 12:38 pm | Permalink

    Happy Birthday Simone!

38. Toni
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 12:41 pm | Permalink

    Happy Birthday Beautiful Simone!!

39. Mijke
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 12:41 pm | Permalink

    Happy Birthday, Simone! Happy first Birthday strong little miracle girl!!!

40. Linz
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 12:42 pm | Permalink

    Happy birthday Simone! And happy first year, Alexa!

41. sam
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 12:51 pm | Permalink

    Happy birthday, Simone! :D

42. Carmen
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 1:00 pm | Permalink

    Happy Birthday Simone!!! What a cutie pie

43. babelbabe
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 1:49 pm | Permalink

    Oh, Alexa. My heart nearly broke when I saw the pic of you holding her when she was newborn. So tiny. And now – she’s absolutely lovely, and I cant tell you how happy I am for her, and for you and your husband.
    Happy birthday, Simone!

44. thalia
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 1:50 pm | Permalink

    oh goodness, I can just imagine how much that made you cry. Congratulations Simone, and well done Alexa. It’s been quite a year.

45. Sunnie
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 1:57 pm | Permalink

    What a YEAR….what a beautiful little miracle he is …..just adorable!!!
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY Simone…..there are a lot of us out here that have been pulling for you from day one!! We love you from afar!!

46. Sunnie
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 1:58 pm | Permalink

    oops…she

47. Christine
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 2:04 pm | Permalink

    Happy Birthday Simone!

48. elizabeth
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 2:19 pm | Permalink

    Happy birthday, Simone!

49. Kim
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 2:24 pm | Permalink

    *tears streaming* I just shared this video with my eight year old surviving twin. My heart is with you all. He says that Simone is just beautiful, I happen to agree.

    she is amazing, you and Scott are great parents.

    Happy Birthday Simone!

50. Christy
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 2:26 pm | Permalink

    Happy Birthday Simone!

51. AmeliaSprout
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 2:38 pm | Permalink

    Happy Birthday Simone!

52. scribblette
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 2:47 pm | Permalink

    boo was nursing when i hit “play”, and he immediately stopped and turned to watch. we are both smitten.

    happy birthday, lovely girl. we hope your mama enjoys your cupcakes.

53. caro
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 2:49 pm | Permalink

    What a year. Happy birthday, Simone.

    And thank you for your writing. I don’t know if I’ve commented here before, but I look forward to your posts every time.

54. e
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 2:53 pm | Permalink

    Happy Birthday Simone! What a beautiful slideshow.

55. stacie
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 3:28 pm | Permalink

    What an amazing year it has been for an amazing little girl. Happy Birthday, Simone!

56. SarahB
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 3:32 pm | Permalink

    Awww…happy birthday!

57. Genevieve
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 3:34 pm | Permalink

    I’ve read your blog twice through, but I’ve never yet commented. I just needed to tell you that Simone’s birthday video moved me to tears. She has become such a pumpkin! Happy birthday to her, and all blessings on her coming year and her future.

    By the way, I also wanted to say that you are a very talented writer. (And I’m an English professor, if not an agent, alas, so I know a little something about narrative and tone and voice.) Anyhow, have you ever thought about writing a guide to ART procedures for the hip and the witty? I, for one, would buy such a book in a heartbeat, aspiring, as I do, to know something about IVF and to attain hipness and wittiness…

58. Ginger
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 4:23 pm | Permalink

    Fabulous! Happy Birthday Simone, and Flotsam Family. Alexa, it is a good time for you to reflect on your success as a mother – you did it!

59. Karishma
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 4:25 pm | Permalink

    how absurdly beautiful is your child? my lord.

60. Melanie
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 5:07 pm | Permalink

    wow……our babies were supposed to be born around the same time, so it just floors me that Simone is ONE! Happy birthday beautiful Simone!

61. Rebeccah
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 5:20 pm | Permalink

    Wow – can’t even believe it’s already that time! Many many happy returns!

62. Juli
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 5:28 pm | Permalink

    Remember way back when you were afraid to hope? Isn’t this day FANTASTIC???? Happy birthday, beautiful bouncy Simone, and congratulations, Alexa & Scott, for finishing up this first and worst year reasonably sane.

63. Meredith
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 5:35 pm | Permalink

    Happy Birthday Kiddo! What a great video!

64. mommo4.5
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 6:22 pm | Permalink

    Absolutely gorgeous! What a year you’ve had. Happy Birthday, big girl, Simone. God bless you.

65. Kaylan
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 6:23 pm | Permalink

    I haven’t commented in ages, but I’ve been following your posts constantly. This video is absolutely lovely, Alexa. What a tribute to your remarkable baby girl. It made me cry very happy tears for you all. Happy birthday, Simone!

66. Bon
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 6:32 pm | Permalink

    happy birthday Simone. happy birthday, mama.

67. T
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 6:39 pm | Permalink

    Delurking to say that I can’t believe it has been over one year that I have been reading your blog!

    Happy Birthday Beautiful Simone!

68. payal
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 6:39 pm | Permalink

    Happy birthday, Simone!

69. Ellen
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 6:59 pm | Permalink

    Happy Birthday, Simone! What amazing images. Your little life, just incredible.

70. Sprite's Keeper
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 7:52 pm | Permalink

    I can’t believe I’ve been reading about her growing for the last year and now she’s a year old! Happy birthday, Simone! You are such a loved little girl!

71. Cam
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 7:58 pm | Permalink

    Happy birthday, Simone! I love to see you jumping up and down!
    And congratulations to you and Scott, Alexa. Happy tears here. :~)

72. Kim
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 8:18 pm | Permalink

    Oh Simone, Happy Birthday! And may I commend you on your avent garde (you know, for a baby – wait, make that Toddler) taste in music. I remember each one of those pictures being posted. I remembered you when my daughter was born early in March of 2008. I told her you’d been through all this and more and were managing to rock the nasal canula with some serious Style. So she was inspired to following in your tiny little footsteps and also become a fat, giggly little baby… er, almost Toddler. You’re a rock star Simone.

73. Erin
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 8:31 pm | Permalink

    Happy, happy birthday gorgeous girl!

74. tobacco brunette
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 8:42 pm | Permalink

    I love this. I watched it once and it made me cry. Then I made my husband watch it and at first he was like…what? I don’t even know this baby. But then he was immediately sucked in. What a year you’ve had.

    Happy Birthday, Simone!

75. Val
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 8:47 pm | Permalink

    What? No no no. She can’t be a year. HOW has it been a year? Wow. She is incredible, as are you. Many hugs all around.

76. Life in Eden
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 9:03 pm | Permalink

    She is beautiful. I can’t believe it has been a year either. Amazing.

    You’ve inspired me, and this year we will be in the Walk for Babies with ours.

77. another karen
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 9:29 pm | Permalink

    wow! happy birthday beautiful girl!

78. Casey
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 9:47 pm | Permalink

    Okay, you got me. You got me! I am sitting here crying like a little bitch watching this. She is marvelous. What more to say? Happy Birthday to all of you.

79. beyond
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 9:54 pm | Permalink

    yikes, one year already?!?
    happy birthday!
    twinkle twinkle happiness…

80. Robin
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 9:58 pm | Permalink

    What an amazing journey you have all been on. Happy Birthday to Simone, to you & Scott, and to the memory of Ames.

81. Leslie
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 10:07 pm | Permalink

    Amazing. What a long, strange year it’s been.

    Very, very happy birthday to you all.

82. Stefanie
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 10:09 pm | Permalink

    I loved that. I can’t believe you were able to make a video that cool with everything going on. She’s gorgeous and FAAAAT! Congratulations. And, yes, Ames is in my thoughts as well.

83. Nearlydawn
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 11:24 pm | Permalink

    I can’t believe it has been a year! I’m sure your Mommy and Daddy can’t believe it either. Happy Birthday!

84. robin
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 11:53 pm | Permalink

    I warned you a long time ago about these preemies – how they grow and thrive and turn out so marvelously!

    Happy Happy Happy Bithday to the beautiful and very charming Simone and Many Happy Returns of the Day to you, Mama Alexa.

    /s/ a dedicated reader

85. Hrefna
    Posted February 8, 2009 at 11:59 pm | Permalink

    You’ve come a long way, baby! Happy Birthday! :)

86. Heidi
    Posted February 9, 2009 at 12:04 am | Permalink

    A very happy birthday to a very beautiful girl!

    Wow…one year.

87. velocibadgergirl
    Posted February 9, 2009 at 12:05 am | Permalink

    I cannot get over those cheeks! Happy birthday, Simone!

88. tree town gal
    Posted February 9, 2009 at 12:27 am | Permalink

    Happy Day, sweet baby Simone. You have amazed and dazzled and charmed your way into our hearts.

89. Be Like the Squirrel, Girl
    Posted February 9, 2009 at 12:36 am | Permalink

    Zum Geburtstag, viel Glück! Langes leben und Gesundheit!

    The video was awesome. I love the jumper footage!

90. serina
    Posted February 9, 2009 at 12:59 am | Permalink

    Happy Birthday, Pussycat!
    I love your throaty chuckle!

91. Lynn
    Posted February 9, 2009 at 1:57 am | Permalink

    Oh, amazing! A year old already — she’s come such a huge way. Congratulations to all of you, and Happy Birthday, Simone!!

92. Bec
    Posted February 9, 2009 at 2:34 am | Permalink

    Happy birthday Simone! And congratulations to you for making it through her first year!

    PS. that bouncy thing looks like so much fun! I want one!

93. Bec from Australia
    Posted February 9, 2009 at 3:30 am | Permalink

    Happy Birthday, Simone! A happy and healthy start to 2009.

94. twangypearl
    Posted February 9, 2009 at 3:32 am | Permalink

    What a year it’s been!
    Happy birthday Simone, many many happy returns to you!

95. me
    Posted February 9, 2009 at 3:52 am | Permalink

    happy birthday honey!

96. Amelie
    Posted February 9, 2009 at 5:07 am | Permalink

    Happy Birthday, Simone! You’ve come such a long way in only a year, amazing.

97. Orodemniades
    Posted February 9, 2009 at 7:08 am | Permalink

    zomg that made me cry.

    Happy Birthday sweetie.

98. Kathi
    Posted February 9, 2009 at 7:18 am | Permalink

    {Delurking} – Happy Birthday Simone! I bookmarked your website last year to check in on Simone while she was in the NICU, but I’ve stayed because it’s been so fun to watch her grow, and because I really enjoy your writing! Enjoy your sweet baby – they grow so fast! (My oldest just turned 15 yesterday, and I swear he was little just a few weeks ago…)

99. Patti B
    Posted February 9, 2009 at 8:21 am | Permalink

    Happy happy birthday Simone :) She is the CUTEST. Evah!

100. MFA Mama
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 8:34 am | Permalink

     All together now…”AWWWWWWWWWWW…”

101. beth
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 8:50 am | Permalink

     Happy Birthday Simone! You are an amazing child and I truly enjoy watching you grow through this blog. Thank you, Alexa, for sharing all that you do.

102. A. W.
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 8:52 am | Permalink

     Very nice!

103. birdie23
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 9:08 am | Permalink

     Awww how wonderful! Happy B.D. to ya,Simone, what a cutie! to mama, lots of hugs, ya done good.

104. Kate
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 9:34 am | Permalink

     HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

105. zimmom
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 10:08 am | Permalink

     Happy Birthday Simmone! My birthday is 2/9, Aquariuses rock! you are one strong and amazing kid!

     congrats to mom and dad for surviving the first year!:-)

106. Sheri
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 10:39 am | Permalink

     Happy Birthday!!!!

107. susie
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 10:48 am | Permalink

     Congratulations on your first year of being parents. Beautiful miracle baby!

108. Kristin
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 10:50 am | Permalink

     Happy Birthday! She has the cutest face–those cheeks! Thank you for sharing your family’s story with us. I’ve been reading since NICU and look forward to your posts every week.

109. Mar
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 10:54 am | Permalink

     Oh my. Happy birthday simone! What an extraordinary year you have had, miss beauty.

110. Sarah
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 11:12 am | Permalink

     Happy Birthday Simone!

111. Aurelia
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 11:14 am | Permalink

     Happy Birthday Simone! I’m so very happy for you!

112. Jana
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 11:24 am | Permalink

     *sigh* you’ve come a long way baby! a true miracle. congrats to you, too Mama.

113. Kristin
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 12:47 pm | Permalink

     That was beautiful! Happy birthday Simone!

114. Gina
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 1:05 pm | Permalink

     Happy Birthday Simone! And Happy Anniversary to you as parents!

     Simone is so cute. She has awesome cheeks. And I love the bear jammies – we have the same ones.

115. Alicia
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 1:17 pm | Permalink

     happy b-day simone!!

     awesome job on the video! it was too cute :)

116. Mrs. Moose
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 1:43 pm | Permalink

     Oh, Alexa, this brings tears to my eyes! She’s so beautiful! Happy Birthday, Simone. Many, many, many more!

117. Glynda the Good
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 1:50 pm | Permalink

     Sniff… tears in my eyes too. Happy birthday sweet Simone.

118. Katie
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 1:57 pm | Permalink

     Oh your daughter. She’s beautiful.

119. Mari
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 2:01 pm | Permalink

     I just can’t get over how tiny she was. Happy Birthday Simone! Congratulations Mom, she’s beautiful and happy. Good job!

120. duck_jb
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 2:14 pm | Permalink

     I just spent a beautiful 2 minutes and 33 seconds laughing and crying. Thank you for sharing Simone’s birthday video with us. What a beautiful birthday girl! Happy Birthday Simone!!!! – well done mommy and daddy. She perfect. :-)

121. Suzanne
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 2:34 pm | Permalink

     Wow! She’s so beautiful and healthy and happy! Happy Birthday, Simone! Happy Momaversary to you, Alexa… she is truly amazing!

122. Allie
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 3:20 pm | Permalink

     Happy, happy birthday, Simone. Thank you for sharing your beautiful girl with us. I’ve so enjoyed watching her thrive and grow this past year.

123. elizabeth
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 3:31 pm | Permalink

     Oh my word, look at your gorgeous daughter!!!!! I cried over this video! Happy Birthday, sweet little Simone!

124. Erin
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 3:45 pm | Permalink

     That brought both tears and smiles…Congratulations and happy 1st Simone!!

125. Candy
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 3:48 pm | Permalink

     Oh that picture of her on the chair standing up to look outside about took my breath away. You’ve come a long way, baby!

126. Kate
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 4:15 pm | Permalink

     Happy Birthday!!!!!!! What a year Simone…you are beautiful

127. Krista
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 5:31 pm | Permalink

     Happy Birthday, Simone!

     How strong and lovely you were, and are, and will always be.

128. Carla
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 6:28 pm | Permalink

     Happy 1st birthday, Simone!

     Lots of love-
     The Bergeson family
     Oscar, Brady, and Carla

129. Jenna
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 6:50 pm | Permalink

     De-lurking (and wiping away tears) to say Happy Birthday, Simone!!

130. Karla
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 6:57 pm | Permalink

     Unbelievable. It has NOT been a year yet. You’re wrong. I’m just saying.

131. O.S.B.
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 7:18 pm | Permalink

     She’s a doll. Happy Birthday Simone, you are quite the amazing little girl.

132. Peggy
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 8:36 pm | Permalink

     Happy 1st Birthday Simone!! She is beautiful.

133. Anna
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 8:38 pm | Permalink

     Totally made me cry. Happy birthday, Simone!! Hooray for you!

134. Priya
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 9:07 pm | Permalink

     Holy shit! Simone is such a big girl now!

135. jana
     Posted February 9, 2009 at 10:09 pm | Permalink

     Oh my god, that was perfect. I’m crying.

     Happy birthday, Simone!!

136. allison
     Posted February 10, 2009 at 5:19 am | Permalink

     happy birthday, simone! loved the video.

137. Rachel
     Posted February 10, 2009 at 10:29 am | Permalink

     oh my god, beautiful. I’m weeping. Happy Birthday to both of you!

138. Nicole
     Posted February 10, 2009 at 10:32 am | Permalink

     That video was Oscar worthy… Seriously.

139. Angie
     Posted February 10, 2009 at 2:31 pm | Permalink

     Where does the time go?
     Good job on the video- love the song!
     Happy birthday!

140. jv
     Posted February 10, 2009 at 3:55 pm | Permalink

     great video! happy b-day Simone!

141. Nancy
     Posted February 10, 2009 at 4:06 pm | Permalink

     Happy Birthday Simone! Thanks for sharing the video, Simone has come a long way~

142. The Bossy Yankee
     Posted February 10, 2009 at 5:53 pm | Permalink

     Happy First Birthday Miss Simone!

     Amazing how tiny she was just a short year ago. She is a true miracle baby. Beautiful in every way!

143. Natalie
     Posted February 10, 2009 at 9:19 pm | Permalink

     wonderful!

144. Half Assed Kitchen
     Posted February 12, 2009 at 11:54 pm | Permalink

     That was amazing. I’m so happy for your family.

145. Marcie
     Posted February 13, 2009 at 2:41 pm | Permalink

     Happy Birthday to beautiful Simone!!! I can’t believe she is a year old, she’s conquered so many milestones and the days of seeing pictures of her with tubes seem like such a distant memory; so many more happy memories to come. What a great slide show!!!

146. Lynn
     Posted February 14, 2009 at 6:08 am | Permalink

     Beautiful! Happy birthday Simone!!! Look how you have blossomed over the past year!

147. Krista
     Posted February 22, 2009 at 4:54 pm | Permalink

     It’s so amazing just how much she’s changed in 1yr!

148. Dr. Grumbles
     Posted February 23, 2009 at 1:44 pm | Permalink

     wow – that made me cry. She has come so far and is doing so well!!!

149. leslie
     Posted March 2, 2009 at 6:42 pm | Permalink

     My heart is now happier today! Thank you for sharing Simone with us for all this time – she is an angel. Happy Birthday sweetie and congrats to you as well Alexa- you are a wonderful mom!

150. Tea
     Posted March 8, 2009 at 2:53 pm | Permalink

     Just catching up, darlin’, after revision deadlines, and was stunned to see those early shots. I had forgotten how tiny and fragile she was back then–especially when she’s such a delicious round bundle of adorability now. Congratulations to you all for coming through the year with such grace and good humor. Cupcakes for everyone!
     Sending all the best to you and the birthday girl.

151. Beth
     Posted March 20, 2009 at 11:12 pm | Permalink

     Just catching up on posts over here, too!

     What a gorgeous little video that was! Stunning pictures of a stunning baby! Love all the outfits, too!

     Happy (belated) birthday, big girl! :o)