To Bed A Baby...To Wake A One-Year-Old

I put my last baby to bed tonight as an infant for the last time.  I was getting all teary...so I decided I would write a fun recap of her birthday party today, rather than wallow in my ending of the infant year that will expire at 1:47am.  Seriously, how did a year go that fast?

First a few party prep pics...

Her invitation.  I fell in love with this idea...selfishly for the keepsake that I will have for the future.

I made Stella an allergen free cake.  It turned out really yummy, if I do say so myself!  Want the recipe for your little peanut?  Here it is.

Benjamin doesn't write on my chalkboard often, but when he does...it's always awesome.  I love that I just gave him a general idea of what I wanted and he took it from there.

Here is her finished cake!  It's not about perfection.  It's about the love that it was made with.  ;)  It looks about the same right now....  

Cupcakes for the rest of the guests.

Messages in a Baby Bottle.  This pic was taken before the party, but now it is overflowing with messages from guests to Stella, for her to open when she is 18.  

This little cheezer had no idea how much fun was about to ensue!

 I "hired" Jillian to color all of the crowns for our game, Pin the Birthday Crown on Stella.  She loved the job.  She is contemplating it as a career.

 Stella, her Great Uncle, and Great Grandpa!

 Two baby sisters.  Stella and my baby sister, Erica.

I can't even believe we are already here, a year goes so fast.

 My sister Sarah, Stella, and I.

 Sarah found this champagne, Stella Rosae.  It wasn't full long.

 Another Great Uncle.  He let her sneak an early present.  Definite uncle brownie points.

 Stella was the first to pin her crown (the special one made only for Stella) on herself.  No blindfold necessary for her! 

Stella handing out the crowns!

 Time to open presents!  She was lucky to have help from her brother, sister, and sweet cousin Josephine.

 Cake time!  She daintily picked at it, but didn't follow through on the smash that her brother and sister were really hoping for. 

This photo is about as close she got to actually eating any of it.  Not pictured...her putting it down without taking a bite.

 My very favorite gift every year...  A video of Stella's entire first year from her Aunt Brooke.  It's priceless.  Oh - and that first year video...always gets me weepy.

 Still happy after the festivities!

 ........And this is the little peanut that I put to bed a few hours ago. 

Dear Stella Rose,

No matter how old you are, you will always be my baby.  I love you with all of my heart and you complete our family in such a perfect way.  A year ago, right this very minute, your Daddy and I were anxiously awaiting your arrival.  We didn't know yet that you would be such a content and happy little girl with so much love to give.  We didn't know that you would fit into our family like the perfect last piece to a puzzle.  We know all of that and so much more now.  We know that you are such an affectionate little lover.  We are millionaires in the kisses and cuddles bank.  You are so friendly and look at new situations as a fun adventure.  You love your dolls and lovies like no baby I have ever seen.  I think it is a preview to the mother that you will be someday.  I love to watch you learn and grow and I look forward to so many thing in your future.  Let's just take things slow...one day at a time though.  I love you with all of my heart, my little Stella Rose.

Love, Mommy