It's the little things

No picture today, just a story.

But first a preface:

I fell in love with my friend Rosanne's girls Lila and Pearl well before Addie arrived on the scene. At work, Rosanne would tell me a particularly adorable story about Lila or Pearl or both and I'd run home with the tidbit and the minute Steve walked through the door, I would say "you'll never believe what Lila said today." Lila (now 7) called blueberries "boolies" as a little'un and since I told that story to Steve years and years ago, we've called blueberries boolies ever since. Until Addie recently renamed them "baoo" (ball). I left a voicemail for Rosanne to tell her about the boolies to baoo renaming and she left another one back with me asking if there were other stories about the girls that I remembered that she may have forgotten. Forgotten? Hm...seems that sleep deprivation and hard work can render a good parent amnesic when it comes to the little things, so I decided when Addie does something particularly adorable (in our eyes), I may just have to record it on the blog. Surely you all won't mind too much.

On to the actual story...

Last night Steve and I were both giving Addie a bath. He's a darn good singer and there's something about his voice that Addie just loves. As I gently cleaned away the food stains and dirt of the day, Steve sang a Bing Crosby song called "Count Your Blessings" while Addie stared up at him, enraptured. When he finished the song, we were all silent. Addie did the sign for "more"--so to please his encore-demanding crowd, Steve sang it again. Again she listened--rapt and open-mouthed. One more "more" sign, one more encore, then she was happy and bath was over. It was a beautiful moment for our little family. Luckily, recorded in the blogosphere for many many years.

Happy Birthday, Addie!

Well, blog-followers, I don't know if you can believe it, but tomorrow, Ms. Adeline Eve turns ONE YEAR OLD. I'm still in denial :) A year ago this evening, Steve and I were walking around the local mall because it was raining out. We were doing everything all the books say helps to get a baby out. She was already late and we were getting pretty antsy. At about 9pm, the contractions started and the crazy road of parenthood began.

It has truly been the best year of our lives. Adeline has brought us an immense amount of joy, happiness, laughter, tears, dancing, giggles...the list goes on and on. We want to thank all of you for following along this journey with us! You have watched Addie grow and learn and become the crazy little bear she is today.

This weekend we had a birthday party for her so that her grandparents and Uncle Doug and Aunt Alli could join us from New Jersey. We truly wished that we could have invited everyone, but we didn't have enough room in the house and we didn't want to overwhelm her with the crowds, so we kept it small. Addie held up well, even with all eyes on her. She was a bit clingy at times and didn't quite enjoy the cake as much as we had heard babies do (hey, as a nutrition counselor, my daughter rejecting refined sugar/refined flour cake is A-OK with me!), but overall we think she had a good time!

And also a very Happy Birthday to Gramma-San Silvestro! I took pictures of her cake with our slowly deteriorating camera and now I can't get them off. I'll update it when it works again.

My friend Megan (Reese's mom) took these AMAZING pictures--thank you, Megan! You rock!

Enjoy!

Getting ready for the fun with Mommy...

...and Daddy

Family Photo!

Back row: Uncle Doug, Grandpa Silvestro, Daddy Steve, and Uncle Dan (the menfolk)
Front row: Aunt Alli, Grandma Silvestro, Momma Monica, Addie, Grandma Eva (da womens)

Our theme was "butterflies" inspired by...the dress we bought for Addie to wear. :)

Steve and I made and decorated the cake!

No, Addie, it's not cake time, yet!

Addie's wonderful grandmothers share a hug

And a story

Uncle Dan arriving with balloons, aka "bah!" (ball, in Addie vernacular)

Trying out her new wagon from Gma/Gpa Silvestro!

Some of the details

Addie in a very good mood

And then we gave her some cake...

Despite her interest in it before, she didn't like everyone singing to her and being put in the high chair when she wasn't hungry. Not so happy anymore :)

Luckily she had some of her friends to cheer her up.

Pearl

Nate

Anne

And of course, her baby friend she knows the best, Reese

You brought me gifts, too? GASP!

Our future fashion bug was more interested in her new clothes than the toys...

...not for long--toys trump it all

Look at how big you are, Addie! You are growing and learning so much every day. You will soon be so big, it will be hard to remember when we could hold you in our arms....but you will always be our little baby girl.