Emily's Birthday Party

I had been planning Emily birthday party for a couple of months. I had a nice list of people to invite, several cute options of invitations, some ideas from the Internet on "first birthday" decorating themes, etc. I went with a polka-dot, not too specific theme and basically tried to make the decor as colorful as possible. Emily had a great time hanging out with her baby buddies, and the adults had a good time chowing down on tons of food and getting some "adult conversation" time in too! Goody bags for Emily's friends
Bottled water for our birthday party guests. See those labels I made around the bottles? Look closer...

Yes, they have Emily's picture! Many bored nights were spent in front of the computer in preparation for this party...

Funfetti and chocolate cupcakes with "1" decorations on them!

Cousin Stephanie drove all the way from Hampton for the party! My kids had a great time seeing their cousins Alexandria and Gavin.

Baby Justin amazed us with his laid back attitude and full head of hair! Only 8 months old and already 2 haircuts behind him!

Cousin Brooklyn hanging out with Grandma Peggy

Caiden had a few admirers at the party, especially Ms. Tracy. We were sure he was smuggling out my valuables in those cheeks!

I don't know how Jen got stuck with this job, but she became the "baby whisperer". A half dozen or so kids surrounded her, climbed on her, or chewed on her for a good fifteen minutes!

Justin and Brooklyn

Jack and Lily prove that nothing is more fun than toys that belong to someone else!

Ryder had us all laughing as he growled on command!

Happy birthday to you!

Yummy! Those cheeks are stuffed with sugary goodness!

Opening presents....the tissue paper was almost as good as the real present!

Uncle John and Aunt Mary found a book called "Emily's Day" and had to buy it!

A laptop and two cellphones for Emily....she owns more technology than me!

"Blowing kisses" to her audience--which really consisted of smacking herself in the mouth and spraying spit at everyone in the cheap seats.

No surprise here--Cousin Steph hooked Emily up with all the latest fashion trends, including jean leggings!

Emily: One Year Old

I don't have any official stats until Monday, when we have our one year checkup. For now, I can tell you that Emily has definitely become her own person, and that person is a red-headed Scorpio! She is strong willed and bull headed. She gets angry easily and every time that things don't go her way. But she is also very loyal, pointing her finger at Momma when she can't get a toy out of the toy box and snuggling at night. And she's extremely smart--she learned how to put the shapes in the shape sorter box in a matter of minutes and claps for herself every time she gets the blue circle in the right hole.

Likes: "grown up" food; walking along the furniture; her new ride-on train; rides in the car; being outside; being around people and other babies; when people talk to her

Dislikes: being changed/getting dressed; being put down for a nap; baby food; being told "no"; when she's ignored; when Ms. Tammy isn't at the daycare

Aunt Kiwi Delivers

Dear Aunt Kiwi,
You are the bestest auntie in the world. I was sooo happy to come home from daycare and find your Snoopy package for me! Mommy helped me open the wrapping paper, then all bets were off--I ate some paper, tasted my card, and threw my new clothes around with sheer abandon. Mommy especially loved the engraved frame--I believe I saw tears in her eyes.....or she was just exhausted, I can never tell the difference. Thank you so much for making me feel special and loved on my (almost) big day.
And no, I didn't wait til Friday to open my presents .... I can't read a calendar and I have a knack for immediate gratification.
Love,
Emily