Happy birthday to you!

Dear Maya,

What else is there to say? You're ONE!

Last week after winding down from Christmas we turned right around and geared up for your birthday. Mommy and daddy spent a few hours making decorations on Thursday night and then mommy baked for a long time on Friday, your actual birthday. It all came together beautifully on Saturday afternoon for your party.

The theme was 'Sunshine on a cloudy day'--inspired initially by the pretty yellow and grey dress that mommy picked out for you and also by daddy's love of the song "My Girl." It carried through with cotton clouds, yellow and grey buntings, yellow and grey(!) baked treats and handmade sun and cloud cupcake toppers.

There were lots of loved ones here to celebrate your big day. Your great-grandparents, great aunts and uncles, aunts and uncle, and mommy's friends and their little boy. Perhaps the best treat, though, was getting to see Grandpa for the first time since April as he came from North Carolina to spend a few days with you.

Paparazzi Great Aunt Sue, Grandpa, Auntie Rhi, Shawn and Great-grandpa gather to watch you in your high chair

Wyatt trying out your rocking dog

Daddy feeding the masses with his awesome frying pan pizzas to order

You woke up at an obscenely early hour the day of your party and didn't sleep at all in the morning, leading us to wonder if you'd be sleepy or cranky during the festivities. You did get a nap in after lunch and woke up just in time to get dressed and welcome guests. That must have helped, because you were amazing at the party.

You wouldn't keep your sweet headband on, but the silver shoes lasted a little while...

Greeting your guests

Having crackers with Great-grandpa

As would be expected with such a large crowd on your home turf, you were a bit shy and quiet at first, but soon you started to warm up to everyone. Then, when it was time for everyone to start singing "Happy Birthday" to you, you got this huge grin on your face like you finally got why everyone was here. For you!

Then it was cake time! Mommy made you a double-sized banana cupcake with cream cheese frosting but without the candied pecans that were on everyone else's. Having never been handed a whole cupcake before, you got a sly little look in your eye as if to say, "Is this really all for me?" before tearing into it. Yummy!

After eating and changing out of your messy clothes, we headed to the living room to open presents. Like on Christmas, you were more interested in the tissue paper than the gifts half the time, but mommy got you to sit and look at most of them. You got so many wonderful books, adorable clothes and fun toys--lucky girl!

One of the last presents you opened was a large, perfectly round panda plush toy from Grandpa. It was big and heavy for you, but you were determined to lift it and spent a few minutes trying different methods to the delight of everyone. The laughter and applause encouraged you to continue your comedic routine, this time prancing around in hats made from the leftover tissue paper--and you usually hate hats! I guess you were willing to do anything to please your loyal fans. Mommy laughed so hard she nearly hyperventilated!

Your party was one of the most precious days of mommy's life. I was so surprised and proud at the same time. I was thrilled to see all of the people who've come to love you in one year and look forward to seeing how many lives you touch in the future. You're a very special little girl, Maya, and we love you so much!

Cuddling with Auntie Kelsie

Helping Auntie Rhi with her knitting

Giving your new panda a big kiss

P.S. Aside from your cupcake, your other new foods include Poppa Stan's oatmeal cookies and Auntie Rhi's beef stew. Now that you're one, mommy may not report your new foods quite so much anymore, though...