The Long Anticipated 1st Birthday

Elinore's 1st Birthday was on Saturday so we had a party for family and a couple friends who are honorary family members. I must admit that I've been so excited about this party that it has been many weeks in the making. Elinore's favorite animal is a cow, so I made a cow cake. She wasn't too keen on eating the cake until she got some in her mouth and realized how good it tasted. Then she dug in!

Oh messy face and messy hands!
Our little house was filled to the brim with just the family we invited, so it felt cozy and fun. Everybody was talking and laughing. I think Elinore was a bit overwhelmed, but she enjoyed the company. Her cousins Sam and Lydia were anxious to help her open her gifts, so it became quite the team effort!

All the gifts were wonderful, and Elinore is already enjoying them. I'm having to find new homes for all of her toys! And she can't keep her hands off the books.

I can't believe a year went by so fast. This time last year we were barely home from the hospital. We had a tiny baby that slept in your arms, and now here she is giving kisses, saying bye-bye, and learning the power of the word "no". We love her so much.