UNO!

{Shame on me for not posting this exactly on her birthday....please forgive me Marie!}
Well, well, well, our little peanut is 1!!!  Can't believe a year has come and gone!  I mean, wasn't it just yesterday that we were waking up every 3 hours, swaddling her in that Miracle Blanket (we owe you HUGE, Alexis!) and making 2 oz bottles?!

On Friday (11/11/11, perfect date to celebrate the big O-N-E, huh?), we had a family gathering at Marie's house.  The night started with a "bang".  Literally.  A deer jumped out and hit Grandma's car.  Luckily she (Mom, not the deer) wasn't hurt, but more in shock than anything.  Nothing like buying an unexpected $400 headlight.  Damn you, Bambi!  After a glass of wine, we forgot about the deer and moved into party mode. 

Confirmed: the cousins all got along.
(Yes, that is the new playroom in the background!)

My crafty side made a banner she can use at all birthdays.  Everyone say "Aww...."

Why do all kids have to get so close during present opening?  Cute.

CAKE!
Our dainty eater did not put one bit of cake in her mouth.  Not one.
Can't say the same for the highchair, her lap, her ear or the floor.

Luckily, Daddy was on clean-up duty that night.

Now, you may be asking yourself, "where was Ruby at the party?"  I'll have you know, Ruby was definitely invited to the party, but unfortunately declined and decided to stay in her room for the night.  While walking down the hallway during the party, I found this note on her door:

After a closer look, I realized the ever-artsy, Madelyn, made a sign so no one would enter
and get attacked by our ferocious Labradoodle.
Translation: Danger Room: Dog, Keep Out.
(Madelyn, is that a "dog bite" in the corner?  Nice.)

On Monday (Marie's actual birthday), Daddy took the day off to spend with us. What an amazing November day - 75 degrees (crazy St. Louis weather)!   Marie insisted on being outside and decided on the Zoo and the Boat House for lunch....followed by a long afternoon nap.  What a great weekend with the most perfect little lady a Mommy & Daddy could ask for!  Happy 1st Birthday, Marie - we love you!

Our little lady's big day!