Wednesday August 22, 2007
As preparations are being made to celebrate Dannielynn Hope Marshall Birkhead's first birthday, sources close to the little girl tell Us Weekly that making sure she knows how much her mother Anna Nicole Smith loved her is a top priority.
Dannielynn, who lost both her mother and brother, Daniel, within six months of each other, was at the center of a months-long international media frenzy, as her father, Larry Birkhead, fought to prove his paternity. But now that he and his daughter are together, settled in the 5,5000-square-foot, five-bedroom L.A. mansion that Smith purchased in 2004, keeping Anna Nicole's memory alive has become Birkhead's constant focus.
"Larry says that it's important Dannielynn knows about her mom," his older sister, Judy Birkhead tells Us.
"He's always telling Dannielynn how much he loved Anna and how great she was."
Birkhead, 34, has put photos of Dannielynn's mom everywhere. "He'll point at pictures and show Dannielynn videos of her too," Judy says.
Smith also set aside keepsakes for her daughter – including letters she had written for her – that Birkhead is saving for when the baby grows up.
Longtime friend Jane Rose-Zupetz tells Us, "When Anna was pregnant, she painted a lot for Dannielynn. Larry will give her those, also."
But for now, the next milestone is September 7, when Dannielynn turns one. Birkhead is planning a big birthday bash, and 200 guests have been invited to celebrate, inluding Dolly Parton, Dannielynn's favorite singer.
"It's a celebration for Dannielynn, but it's also a celebration for what Larry had to go through to hold his daughter," Rose-Zupetz tells Us.
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Posted by Noelle Hancock at 4:00 pm ET
