Vocabulary Lesson

Our little Munchkin continues to amaze us every day...especially her ability to communicate. She seems to have finally mastered her first sign language word ("all done") which has resulted in a lot less food being thrown on the floor at meals! Her favorite spoken word is "dah" = "dog". And last week she finally learned to say "bye". On Friday, we heard our first two-syllable word though!

Elle and Kate's Birthday Party!

Last Saturday, we 'officially' celebrated Elle's 1st birthday with a party!!

A few months ago, one of my friends invited us to have a joint party. Their daughter was also born on June 2nd 2010 - just a few hours before Elle! She and her husband also have the same wedding anniversary date (different year though) as Clay and I - kindred spirits??

We rented out a 'soft play room' in a local rec center. They kids got to go crazy in the play room for an hour and then we had lunch and cake afterwards in the party room.

Pure joy! Elle had a fantastic time at her party! She especially LOVED the ball pit with the slide!

Elle and Kate - the birthday girls!

Kate's mom made the cupcake pop center pieces - yum!

I made the cupcakes!

Kate and her first birthday cake.

Elle and her first birthday cake.

Mmmmm! I think she liked it!

And, the best part - Clay was able to be here for it too!

Happy Birthday Elle!

We already miss the sweet baby girl we brought home from the hospital but she is turning into a super fun toddler! (remind me that I said that in a few months when the terrible twos hit!)

Fun pictures/catch up

Elle's 1st Birthday - Part 2

As promised...the rest of the pictures from Elle's birthday!

What a happy birthday girl!

Her first birthday cake - who wouldn't love this??

She kept reaching for the plate and pulling it toward her :)

Family photo op!

Elle's first bite of birthday cake. She really liked it - she really is all girl and loves chocolate!

Sugar high and being silly!

The view from the restaurant.

Oh yeah, I am that cute!

She kept swiping Clay's hats. Little miss 40th percentile for head size has a way to go!

After we got back from San Diego, I took her in for her 12 month appointment. She is officially 30.5" tall (88th%) and weighs 19 lbs. 6 oz (19th%). Apparently she is working on supermodel proportions. 

Around here, I like to stretch a birthday all month...stay tuned for pictures from her birthday party! 

Happy 1st Birthday Averelle!

On Thursday, we celebrated Elle's 1st birthday! It is really quite amazing how fast the first year went. I know that all parents say that...maybe it is the lack of sleep that adds to the feeling!

To celebrate, Clay and I took her to lunch at a nice restaurant (yep, tablecloths no disposable placemats here!). We had a great view of the San Diego skyline and were able to watch some Navy helicopters running some tests as we ate.

What a beautiful birthday girl! She had a great first birthday lunch of avocado, crab meat, shrimp, artichoke heart, and pasta. We finished it off with molten lava chocolate cake! No smash cake today since we were in a restaurant but she definitely knew it was for her. She kept grabbing the edge of the plate and pulling it toward her...and sticking her hand in the chocolate sauce!

Fun with Daddy!

I am ONE!!!

Happy Birthday Elle!

I took a bunch of other pictures on the real camera. I will try to post them when we get home.