First Birthday

We were all pretty excited to celebrate the big FIRST birthday for Milayla. After Milayla went to bed on the night before we all decorated and finished off the preparations. So when Milayla woke up the following morning Mommy was quick to rush in and start getting photos of our little one year old and begin the celebrations. And thanks in part to some training from her big brother, Milayla is very good at showing she is one year old.

Once the Birthday Girl was dressed, it was off to the living room where plenty of decorations and gifts awaited her. If we had of realized just how fun all those balloons would be we probably could have eased off on some of those gifts ;)

After scouting out the birthday banner, it was back to the balloons....

Atticus couldn't wait any longer to give Milayla the gift he picked out for her and hurried to give it to her and help her open it. We were pretty impressed with how thoughtful Atticus was about giving a gift to Milayla and making her a card (wish I remembered to take a picture of the awesome card!). He picked out a toy truck, with the idea that it was a bit bigger and easier for Milayla to play with than some of the cars we have (and this girl loves playing with the toy vehicles). 

And with that it was on to a few more cars, books, clothes and a couple small toys. 

A special delivery from Great Grandma and Grandpa Hochstein; she LOVES her new birthday book! Thank you!

Milayla certainly got the hang of how to open of those gifts and delighted in being allowed to tear the paper off.

Then it was time to sit down for a birthday breakfast; whole wheat pancakes with apple sauce and pears. Milayla waited very patiently.

Then dived into her pancakes!

After breakfast it was time for Milayla's very quick morning nap (guess she was far too excited about the fun in store for her) while the rest of us prepared for our morning adventure. 

The Birthday Girl got into her Birthday dress and kept herself entertained while waiting for the rest of us to get ready.

Our birthday adventure took us to the park where we took Milayla's One Year Photos before sitting down for a picnic lunch and games. Since Milayla still isn't too keen on solid foods, we kept the lunch simple so that the Birthday Girl could munch on whatever she wanted (veggies, fruits, whole wheat bread etc.). 

We kicked around a ball, played tag, chased ducks and pretty much whatever the Birthday Girl seemed interested in pursuing. Atticus even volunteered his services as a goal post.

Before heading home for some birthday cake, we snapped a family photo which, for being on auto-timer, turned out well enough. We're all present and smiling. Now, if only we were all in focus :).

Walking home

We decided to go a little non-traditional for our cake selection since Milayla does not yet get sugary treats, it seemed a shame to make a cake that she couldn't eat. So it was a creative alternative and some whole wheat banana muffins. Any guesses on what the cake is?

The Birthday Girl was pretty ecstatic about it....

ready to pounce...

it's.....Watermelon!

Certainly no guilt about having a second piece of that delicious cake 

After cake and another brief nap we were off on a bike ride to a nearby organic farm to visit the animals, play at the park, and eat some fresh ice cream. It was a great way to round out the day. 

(In an effort to be more present, Mommy left her big camera at home for that outing :). Though, we did get a quick photo on our phone.)

What a lovely celebration we had. It was so much fun spoiling our Little Lady and doing our best to make sure she knew it was her special day. We love her so much. We are grateful for the light and joy that emanates from those big blue eyes of hers and the warmth in her smile. We are truly blessed to have her in our family.

Happy Birthday, Milayla!