Happy 1st Birthday!

A day for me!!

It's been days, and if I'm honest, weeks (fine, months!) that I've been thinking about the day Grey turns 1. I've been stressed and even had a cry session (can I blame that on pregnancy hormones?) about no one coming to her Birthday and that it would be a sad, pathetic day.

 Now I can't help but to stop right there and say, God is GOOD and full of LOVE for us and His little Grey.

 ...He cared that I was worried about being in a new state, without most of the people that have been with Grey since she's been born, all while also missing family across the country.  He cares for things as simple as us to "have a nice day." Why does He care about this with all else that goes on...I'll never know. It just means He is a father too, and knows what it's like to want the best for children and care about all our little worries/stresses/thoughts completely. I love Matthew 7:11 

"If you know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him?"

Graciously, He gave us the best gift of a house full of friends and family, sunny weather (in the midst of all time low temperatures and heaps of rain) tons of food, and even a good soundtrack. Everyone had fun and I was so proud of my husband and daughter. Love was the theme of her first birthday! I went from running around stressed to absolutely full and overflowing of happiness. I had trouble sleeping. I'll just say that. For a few days! I kept playing the day over in my head...giddy at the thoughts of our awesome family.

   First, helping dad set up

I think she was feeling our excitement as we ran around prepping and getting ready.Okay, Jude stayed cool, I ran around a little frazzled and crazed.

Then, people started showing up. We had more guests than expected show up, which was awesome!

Grey's little buddy, Mae. They are learning to share and play together.
And yes, that is a cupcake wrapper on Grey's head. She is a good sport.

Lots of bubbles, balloons, and balls flying around. Music played and people hung out. We grilled burgers (sunny weather helped with our little spring theme.) and ate treats. There was a "Grey Crossword Puzzle" (created by her pop!) "Grey" games, and a marshmallow toss (random, but we had to have games...) all went over pretty well...

 

 

This was in Grandma and Grandpa's front yard...we got some looks by people passing by. Which was awesome. The twins tied for first place, but I wouldn't be surprised if they cheated.

We set up a photo booth, and made some props. It wasn't used too much. But we had some fun with it.

 Hmmm...notice who Grey wanted to be like in her picture above? Daughter like Father.


Lucky we have such a good man in our life.

Grey and Mae.

 No explanation needed for the rest...

 Jordan Ratliff came by! He was super sweet with Grey, whom he said was the 3rd baby he's ever held. They got along pretty good. Highlight.

 Yeah...the lei didn't last. But at least we got it on her for a quick pic! 

Next was a big moment for us...the cake. I guess it's a big deal for all parents of first birthdayers, but we've been waiting, and waiting for the day we gave Grey sugar. Yes, this was her first taste! My mom and dad tried to convince us to let them give her some, but we held out. The day has come...

Unsure at first, she quickly decided it was good. Proud mommy looks on as she eats the fruit first! 

That's my girl! (Note: I was so busy, I hadn't finished her cake yet...and Jude stepped in and finished it for me. He did a great job! Thanks babe!)

Quick learner, she ditches the time consuming hands and just dives in... And she usually hates food on her face. The smallest amount, in the corner of her mouth, she wipes it off with her wrist. I guess there is always an exception to the rule.

She didn't get into it enough to see that I spent way too long making pretty rainbow layers for her...but that's okay, we all enjoyed our version of the cake.

She did, however, in the middle of all this, say "More" for the first time. She signs it often, but after Uncle Mark gave her the first taste of ice cream, she said "More." Three times she repeated it, till she got a huge scope of orange sherbet from Dad. She should work on the "More please" and see where that gets her.

Next we did gifts. She was, like expected, into the wrapping and packaging...

But once she got to the surprise inside, she was pretty happy. Specially if the surprise had music and lights.

She was happy and smiling all day, but nothing compared to when we sang Happy Birthday to her. She lit up. She looked around the room, all those faces singing just for her...I love that moment. I wish I had it on video to show you. She absolutely loved it.

I think Grey had a good day, I'm sure she was feeling the love around her. But, I think this day - for Jude and I at least, was one of the greatest. I loved it. It was so sweet to see everything and everyone come together. This day was the icing on the cake...

Most of all, we are blessed to have made it through one healthy, happy year.  

Happy 1st Birthday my love!!