Happy Birthday Ellie J!

Well, it’s official. I now have a one year old. A toddler. Man that’s weird. A little under two weeks ago (it’s been crazy around here since) my teeny tiny little baby turned one. The weeks up to her birthday were quite an emotional journey as the memories (maybe flashbacks) kept sneaking up on me. It’s been the longest and shortest year of my life all at the same time. But also the best year. We made it. My little 32 weeker is one.

Her birthday started off with her ‘opening’ her big present from us – a mini swingset to play outside with:

Then we got the house all decorated and ready for the big party! Look at how much she’s grown:

We had a full house of family and friends wishing our little girl a happy first birthday. She enjoyed the party favors:

And opening presents:

I made her a cake (even though she didn’t eat it)

She only had one small meltdown (when I tried to put a party hat on her) and overall had a great time. She was exhausted when everyone left and took a good nap.

Ellie has been enjoying some of her new toys (this is one spoiled, and loved, child):

She also likes playing with her birthday balloons:

In other news, my tiny tot has continued to practice her steps. Today she started choosing to walk first to places instead of crawl (well, until she would fall down.) I think in the next couple of weeks she’ll be walking consistently. A walking toddler. Yup, still weird.

This week we’ve been dealing with another cold/double ear infection combo that has taken her down. I thought, with it being May and all, that we were done with major colds but apparently not. Most of her daycare class is sick though – we even saw one of her daycare ‘friends’ at the Pediatrician’s office when we took her in. Poor baby. Hopefully this will be the last one for awhile.

And, for fun, some more pics

Her new favorite pastime – watching the big kids next door play basketball:

Being a monkey climbing the stairs (she wants to climb everything!)

Tormenting the kitty:

And generally enjoying life: