AEB turns ONE!

A year has past since little Avery made her splash into the world. She is more than worthy of multiple celebrations!
We began the day with song and balloons greeting her as she woke. Brother joined me in singing her the first of  many renditions of Happy Birthday. After a breakfast of berries and a waffle we got dressed for a photo shoot. I hadn't planned on her needing to be on the move (what was I think?) so she became quite difficult to capture as I was trying to shoot, save her from nose diving down the rocks and keeping a 2 year old, all of the sudden jealous, big brother content.

After a nap we headed to Chick-fil-a for lunch. Nothing beats nuggets, fruit, waffle fries and an ice cream cone. She was in heaven and brother enjoyed the indoor playground. For dinner Grandma and Grandpa Graca joined us for her other favorites of Mac and Cheese and fish sticks. Have I mentioned how I LOVE that all her favorites are MY favorites! SCORE!

I made a butterfly cake or I should say tried to make a butterfly cake. It was more tasty than it was pretty. She loved the singing once again. Cake she did NOT love. She spit out both pieces. Blue Bell ice cream was a whole other story. She sucked it down causing no brain freeze what so ever. It is hilarious how much she loves ice cream. You really need to have two spoons locked and loaded.
For presents we got her a pink basket filled with pink and purple balls. The hope is that she and Renn won't fight over balls anymore. But, it appears as if we just added more balls to fight over. We also got her a pillow pet. Seems kinda silly but Avery loves soft things and I knew this would be something she would truly enjoy. Her other present was more of a family present. We bought a Kelty child backpack so that we can all hike together. We can't wait to use it.

Moving on to her party. It is true I have been mentally planning her party since she arrived. It was based around her nursery. I only do it because I love it. It brings me tremendous JOY to plan party details that create a special experience for the guest of honor.

It was worth all the late hours when she saw the butterfly mobiles go up in the dining room. She looked at them, looked a me and smiled, looked at them again and giggled. She loved them. She may not remember them later in life but I will cherish that moment between us forever. On the day of the party we were greeted with unpleasant weather but that doesn't stop a party!

Avery was dressed in a lovely white gown that was a gift from her Cita. I have never seen Avery as full of personality as when she had that gown on and was able to show it off to all the guests. Seriously, I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it.

We enjoyed time with family and friends, watched Avery blow out her candle with her fingers (no tears), shoveled in more ice cream and she finally enjoyed cake. It was a grand time.

What a year it has been. So thankful for her little life.