the journey of a year

Tuesday, July 6, 2010: Birthday Eve As I sit with our sweet girl on the eve of her first birthday, all I can think of is how much our lives have changed in the past year. On July 6, 2009, Eric and I had our last date without needing a babysitter. The next day, we were parents. Our sweet girl has guided us on a journey I don't think either of us were expecting. We've experienced the ultimate extremes of emotion from sheer joy at the first sound of that sweet voice to utter terror when something which turns out to be completely normal scares the living daylights out of you because you've never encountered anything like it before. Anna watches as I make sure everything is ready for the first celebration.

yes, I was bound and determined she would wear something completely hideous so that I at least have blackmail material when she's 16. The terrible twos don't frighten me a bit, but I am petrified of her teen years.

We sit and chat, and I explain to her that this is her last night as a baby. Tomorrow, she is going to be a big girl. I'm not sure she was too thrilled by this news.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010: We made it!

Cake for breakfast. Life is so good.

She wasn't *quite* sure what to do with it. For about ten minutes, it was just a messy nuisance to smash.

She eventually got the gist of it.

The highlight of the day: The shiny little surrey with the fringe on top. Ok, it was a Radio Flyer double-seater wagon with a canopy. Where Gran and Grumpy think that's gonna go, I have no idea. For now? Their living room.

Eric and I toasted each other that evening, congratulating each other on surviving a whole year without dying from sleep deprivation or, the most cheer-worthy task, not killing each other.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

The theme was "Pretty in Pink". I got the idea from a blog my friend Vanessa found months ago. I've saved the link and did everything I could to replicate every detail.

oh, the hat. that lasted all of about 0.7 seconds. thank goodness for a quick camera.

Lunch was served first, a spray of subs from Wawa (who knew a gas station could make such yummy food???), chips, veggies and watermelon for the big kids, and corn dog nuggets, chicken fries, mini pizzas, and a bowl full of Gerber Sweet Potato puffs for the littles. (hey, the bigs had noshing food, why not give the littles something a little more up their alley?) We dove into presents next. Ok, well, I dove into presents.

Anna was too busy flirting with Jack.

She got into it for a little while.

sean was ready to take this sucker home. boyfriend couldn't be coaxed out with cookies OR cake. Speaking of cake....

My dear friend, David, provided her cake and 50 cupcakes for everyone else. His confectionery masterpieces are gorgeous, and I was honored that he took time out to make our girl's day so special! We had the ceremonial singing and wish-making and Mommy blowing out the candle right before little fingers were burned. my kid is fascinated by fire....this can not be a good thing.

She was ready for the smash this time. She did that first birthday tradition up goooooood.

tuckered herself clean-out. We bid our guests farewell. The lovebirds even stole a smooch.

(now do you understand why the teenage years terrify me so much? just go ahead and order the padlock and the chastity belt. don't get me wrong, sean's a great catch and she'd have phenomenal in-laws, but let's get to a legal age, for crying out loud)

and then there's this little series that makes me giggle. notice how the girls have the exact same looks on their faces? even down to mouth and eye expression. hilarious! You can see the entire album here. Eric's fave is #101. I suppose that's payback for the beeramid pic in the last post. Karma.... And, yes, I have already planned next year's party. Lady Bug Theme. July 9, 2011. Place and time: TBD.