our *one* and only

i feel like i need to start this post with a confession, "forgive me father it's been two months since my last post." how do mom's find the time to post to blogs on such a regular basis (?)...ahh they have babies that sleep... well for posts so few-and-far between, they're going to need to be good ones. i think little e's first birthday is a perfect quarterly post!

i had given her birthday party some thought. i wanted her to enjoy herself as much as possible, but also knew the party was more for the adults at this age that our sweet little one. keeping that in mind, i left the hubby to do what he does so well - barbecue (and does he do it right - slow over oak fire...mmm so good) and socialize with the guests over a frothy cold one. i wanted to take care of the decor and dessert (my favorite aspect of party planning!). i was fortunate enough to have a lot of helping hands. from mom doing the beautiful belly button florals, becca picking up balloons, em keeping a watchful eye on e, side-dish preparers, set-up morning-of and clean up crew. we invited our closest local friends and family, that have a special place in e's little heart. which consisted of so many dear friends that we've known a good percentage of our lives.

happy first birthday sweet girl. you continue to astonish us with your beautiful soul. here are some things that you do, at the tender age of one, that we get a kick out of:

*call out "papa" every morning when you wake

*wave your hand across your face and say "whooowhee" when we change your diaper 

*put your hand on your chest when we say your name and ask where you are

*high fives

*say: hi, bye, mama, papa, nana, pampa, nayna, daki, emi, ana, codyyyy, e-i-e-ohhh, papaya,  manana, baba, burrriyo, daaaaug, dauyyi, baybi

*the animal sounds of: cow, sheep, horse, cat, dog, bird

*facial expressions of: bunny and fishy

*stand excitedly when mama say's "no hands." as you balance on two feet (and even take a few steps)

*crawl circles around the house

*cruise the furniture, the walls, the windows, cabinets - anything you can

*laugh as mama holds you up the mirror after your bath and we sing our funny little song

*play peek-a-boo

*give kisses and hugs as often as possible

*make others kiss (our little cupid!)

*hold mama's neck tight as you fall asleep

*wave your hands so delicately as mama sings the itsy bitsy spider

*point out the picture window at the birds and say "birrrrrr"

below are a selection of photos taken by no other, than my talented sister anna. i'm lucky enough to have a built-in pro in the family. and how happy are we that we have this special day captured.

 {dessert table}

 {yummy cupcakes by grandma lu}

 {sweet e's profile created by joe}

 {beautiful pompom's handmade by rina}

{straws make all drinks more fun}

{rosemary lemonade, pinwheels and belly button florals}

 {best bbq'r i know}

 {wiped out. confirmation it was a fun time!}