Hanna Banana's First Birthday

On November 9th, sweet little Hanna turned 1! Hanna is an absolute joy. She is a little bit clingy, but since she is sweet and tiny, I don't mind at all. She just silently hangs out on my hip all the time, occasionally giving me kisses or hugs. She looks a lot like Patrick now. She enjoys watching her siblings, and her sit-back-and-watch attitude seems to work for her. She seems to be learning things very quickly. She is slowly coming out of her shell and enjoys performing for her sibling audience.

Damon had a hockey game on her birthday, so we thought we would go out for an early dinner before the game. I tried to make reservations for Montana's, but they said that they don't take reservations, even for parties of 8. When we arrived and asked for a table for 8, they looked like us like we were insane and said it would be a 45 minute wait or more for a table that big. (Well, THAT is the reason why I pleaded with them to take a reservation) Every restaurant we tried to go to had a very long wait. Finally we gave up and went to Denny's. Hanna didn't mind at all.

Bob joined us for cake at the house after the game.

One of the things we bought for Hanna was a doll to replace one of Kira's that she has claimed as her own. Kira doesn't mind giving it up, since the doll is missing an eyelid, stained beyond washing, and has the word "love" tattooed in ball-point pen ink (in Damon's handwriting) on both arms and her knees. And of course any clothing I try to put on the doll to cover up her tats, gets ripped off. So Matt and I carefully selected a doll, being careful to find one with a soft body that is just the right size and not too creepy. Of course none of it matters to Hanna, she hugs the new doll, then throws it on the ground and goes looking for her favourite. I'm not going to be disappointed though, I take it as an indication that she is not fickle, but loyal and she can see past a pretty face. I am flawed and imperfect, but when she hugs me I know that she loves me with all of her heart.