One year

Emma turned 1 this past Sunday. I am having a hard time motivating myself to try to put into words all of my feelings on the matter, so I will simply say that I am in awe.  That girl inspires me.

Some pictures from the party:

 

This was taken on her actual birthday. I couldn't get a regular smiley
 picture, so I was happy to settle for her strawberry smirk ;)

I am very pleased with how everything turned out. I didn't have a ton of resources to work with, and I wanted to keep things simple (entertaining people socially is not my favorite thing). However, I also kind of wanted to set a standard for myself. You know, give myself something to beat with future parties and kids (if I should so desire to beat myself), but feel satisfaction that I didn't just give her a super lame-o party.

Points of pride:

• The homemade cake stand, which was clumsily connected off-centered. Boo for that. It sure is beautiful though!
• THE CAKE. IT WAS DELICIOUS. (My dad said if it were to receive a score it would be A+ ...and he's stingy with his foody compliments). I'm also happy with how it looks. Prettiest cake I've ever made!
• The micro-sized "happy birthday" banner. I just think it's cute. 
• The cradle Darren refinished. Nobody remembers where I got the cradle from, but I've had it as long as I can remember. At one point my sister Amanda and I spray painted it red, so Darren removed the paint and we stained it. I can't wait to watch her play with it. She's super adorbs playing with her doll. Mostly the crib serves as another place for her to deposit toys...she loves putting object in bowls and boxes. 

She continues to grow and develop in every aspect at an incredible rate. She is more grown up every day! However, she's also still so much a baby to me. I'm holding on to that as long as she'll let me.