Happy Birthday, Baby!

Here are lots of pictures for you Grandmas and Grandpas in Utah!

I love this picture because it shows and mild she was with her cake eating. She just poked and licked her finger politely like a little lady! I tried shoving her hand in to show her there was cake inside, but she got upset and would only eat the cake once I had cut her a proper little slice.

This (above) is about what the cake looked like when she was done!

Please note the tiny nest and eggs. I loved that I had egg shaped sprinkles. Thanks for your supplies and cocoa secret, Kristi! I decorated her cake with tree blossoms and a bird because "Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree" has always been her very favorite song. Her nursery is decorated in birds, and, as it turns out, she likes birds. :)

So, we just had a simple baby cake, and then cupcakes for the guests. It was the yummy strawberry cake recipe that we love that has fresh strawberries in the batter.

Here is her haul! Thanks, family and friends! I failed to include her new baby stroller from Uncle Jeremy, Aunt Dinah, and girls. She has been playing with it so much since Saturday! She has really loved playing with her baby after being reunited with her after a couple weeks of dolly being on the bedroom rotation.

Last night, Abigail was so overwhelmed with all the great toys and company, that we had to finish opening gifts this morning! By the way, she also got a tiny kitchen center that she LOVES. I bought it on Craig's list, and it was not really what I thought it would be, but she can't get enough of it! She just opens and closes her tiny microwave and fridge and moves items inside and outside...She is a little baker in training!

Abigail showing Clayton her new lawn mower. She also adores this toy because she can push it and it makes great sounds!

Soumya and Abigail trying out the cool stacking cups/balls. (Tell your brother to look at these pictures, Soumya!)

The birthday party. We just kept it small and simple so Mommy and baby didn't get too overwhelmed.

These two photos are similar, but Daddy is in the first, and I love Abigail poling her cake in this one. :)

First bubbles!

Birthday cards from grandmas and aunts!

Last night was a great night! Today we are taking it easy because the birthday girl is feeling a little under the weather, but it has still been a good day.

I have decided that first birthdays are for mommies. Let's be honest, we have to keep babies entertained and most of us will do it with whatever resources we have. New toys give mommies a few more seconds and sometimes even minutes to work on dinner and housework. Babies don't notice how cute their outfits are, but mommies go crazy for them! Babies don't understand the landmark that the day represents, but mommies can sigh with relief realizing that they have made it through so many sleepless nights and feedings...Babies don't realize that their cakes are cute, but mommies spend so much time making them as cute as possible, just so they can be demolished.

So, I feel like I should thank everyone for making it a great day for my Abigail, but also for her mommy and daddy. Everyone is so kind to remember us today. We are so grateful for our sweet little girl and for all of the wonderful people who help us fill her life with love and happiness.