Happy Birthday, Little Lady!

Today, my daughter is One Year Old! (on Earth Day, no less) One whole year! She has come such a long way since that day I first met her! What an amazing journey so far! She is babbling and making a few sounds that might be actual words. She is almost walking and easily walks with help. She is crawling everywhere with speed. She has become very playful and has an intriguing personality. Her smile is awesome and her laugh is infectious when she gets going. She loves looking at things and pointing...watching her face when taking her to a new place, or even just for a walk around the block, is always a joy.

She takes her brother in stride. She loves him and is amused by him, but is equally annoyed by him and has learn to push him away when he gets in her face (not that it helps, he is much stronger). But he makes her laugh and that makes up for everything in her mind.

(okay, this was a weird one, but I liked it)

Today we shared Maia with the world...well, okay, just friends and family. We had a whirlwind birthday party for her (well, whirlwind for Matt and I...hosting is crazy stuff).
This is her Lady Bug cake. Wegmans did the cake and writing, I drew the leaves and ladybugs. Not too bad, eh?

Aunt Michelle is reading to both Maia and cousin Cole

Maia is interested in what Liam is eating

...but cars are more fun to play with...

Maia needs to stand and stretch her legs

Tired of just standing, she wants to get down and move around

Go, Maia, go! She did several laps around the living room.

Maia spends some time cooling down with PopPop.

Awwwwwwww......

Maia is ready for her cake. Since she is currently allergic to milk and eggs, my mom made her a special batch of cupcakes.

Happy Birthday To You!

Maia isn't sure what to make of the cupcake, having never had one before.

She starts to get the hang of it

Liam helps give her some of the frosting.

Liam then helps Maia to open her first present, the one he picked out for her (wrapped in pirate wrapping paper, of course)

Maia watches her presents being opened for her while she enjoys the cupcake

After eating and unwrapping, Maia enjoys some leg-stretching again

After a short nap, she finally settles down to start playing with toys