Happy 1st Birthday to Our Little Girl

Baby girl spent her first birthday the most delightful way possible. She was surrounded by those who love her. She celebrated with mama and daddy (whose presence we do not take for granted), both sets of grandparents, her two aunts and four uncles on her birthday and the four days following because of the Thanksgiving holiday. We were thankful most for being together. Dear family, thank you all so very much for coming. It was a delightful treat having you down with us and there to celebrate baby's first birthday. We all had a blast with you and are looking forward to your next visit. Baby girl would like to say...
Here are her gifts with my anniversary roses (Happy 3rd my dearest husband!!)
A huge gift from Grandma and Grandpa. Whatever could such a little girl need with such a large present?
It is a gorgeous highchair!! Thank you so much, Grandma and Grandpa! It is so lovely. This cherrywood Amish highchair was an especially fitting gift for our little girl on her first birthday because it was the day she was introduced to the world of solid food.
Our little girl at her new proper place at the dinner table.

Trying out her new seat and something they call a bib :)Giving avocado a try

Several people mentioned how unique it was of me to start her on avocado. I went with it because it is one of the most nutritious foods, high in good fat (for the brain), low in sugar, and is ready to eat raw. Jars are not for us, and I prefer not to freeze because I want the freshest possible. This classic mill and this new one have become my best friends.

"This is not milk."
For this cake, I tried my first carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and covered it in homemade mm fondant because I cannot get enough of the look. While making this cake, I enjoyed the company and help of my family. Auntie H shredded the carrots, Grandpa sifted the sugar, and Grandma trimmed the fondant and added the embellishments. Baking with your family is so much more fun than doing it alone.

Our little birthday girl playing with her candle

While we were singing to her

Here she is playing with her gift from mama and daddy (hint: It is the only thing she will ever truly need)
It's a Bible.

We wanted to get her one that would be with her for decades to come. While researching, I really enjoyed learning a lot from this blog and ended up getting this one with her name subtly branded on the cover. How sweet to see my baby girl's hands holding her Bible.
Can you guess what this one is? After husband made fun of my first attempt to wrap this one, I went with a more tasteful yet less mysterious wrapping technique.

Playing with her skwish natural from Mommom and Papa

Opening another from Grandma and Grandpa
Here she is sorting her shapes. Well, she is not sorting yet but having a great time anyway.

Trying out her new Plan Toys punch and drop from Grandma and Grandpa.

Playing with her Uncle Goose blocks from Mommom and Papa.

Dear little girl, it has been our greatest pleasure being your parents and look forward to everyday we are blessed to spend with you.