one. year. old.

I think I've started writing this blog post five times already. How does "one" put into words all of the crazy, mixed-up thoughts and emotions that come up when "one's" superhero/baby turns ONE YEAR OLD? Well... exactly.
So I'll just do my best. (and let some of the pictures do the talking too)

Let's just say I've been looking forward to this celebration since the day we brought her home.

The birthday banner was up. The balloons and streamers were hung. One hundred mini-muffins and four pans of egg casserole were prepared (making brunch for 50 was my brilliant idea). We were ready to PARTY.

The birthday girl had no idea what was in store.

Love this cutie.

All these people are here to see me????

We had to have a wardrobe change after the party dress got covered in icing.

You wear your age well, baby.

We snuck outside to get a few family photos (shout out to Marti Sears at www.picturemommy.com- Thanks Marti!!!)

Happy.

Happy.

Family.

We were so busy hosting Ruby's birthday party that, somehow, I made it through the whole day without any tears! After the guests had gone home and we were surrounded by the carnage of wrapping paper and boxes, I had a second to breathe and reflect on those mixed-up emotions.

I felt happy to have such a wonderful family. I felt relieved that we (and Ruby) survived her first year in one piece. I felt lucky that Ruby beat the odds. and I felt sad for other CDH babies that hadn't.

but mostly, I felt happy. The sort of happy that makes you giggle and cry and dance and squeal. We've had a wild year thanks to Miss Ruby-roo... but I can't wait to see what's next.

Happy Birthday baby.

Baby loves cake

Why not have a blog post devoted to the best thing about birthdays- CAKE!!!
In honor of our superhero-birthday-girl we had a deeeeeelicious cake made just for her.

Mmmm. Red velvet with vanilla butter-cream.

This was Ruby's "smash cake" (which is apparently a rather American phenomenon)- a matching, baby-sized (it looks petite- right?!! ha) cake that she could dive right into. mmmmmm

Ruby was a little bewildered when everyone began singing to her in unison. I was careful to blow her candle out before she could get to it...

...but she was not a fan of the smoke :''(
and that was just one candle! She'll be screaming for the fire department when Scott and I celebrate our birthdays this summer.

I managed to distract her with a little but of sugary goodness...

...and she was hooked. She takes her work seriously.

like Mama, like Dada... this baby loves cake.