Birthday Girl

We had a little party this weekend, as we are going out of town tomorrow (V's actually birth birthday). It was so awesome to see her open her gifts and get excited! And I can't believe I've been a mother for nearly a year, and how much she's changed and grown and...oh, mercy. This parenting experience is as profound as anything I've ever experienced. No wonder people are always writing bad poetry about it.

In lieu of bad poetry, here's a shot of V on her new scooter, with cousin Will pushing her at approximately the speed of light. I adore this shot, with the blurred backgroud, and Will's little head determined to push on, and V looking up a bit surprised at going warp speed for the first time ever.

Tonight, I want to make her a new pair of shoes, as we are going to the kind of wedding where a one-year old should probably wear shoes, and my one-year old should certainly wear shoes I've made. But I also have to alter my dress and learn to walk in 3 inch heels tonight, so no promises, baby girl.


Here we are in the firelight on Saturday, surrounded by people we love, close enough to the lake to hear the loons call (if it weren't for that cover band across the road...). My mom took this picture, and I love how V is peering up at her Grandmother.

In years to come, I hope I remember this birthday party, with all the joy she had in every gift, the amazement and patience she had with her cake, and the sweet way she curls when she falls asleep after being really tired. When she's 12 and I can't recall ever WANTING children in the first place, I really, really hope I remember this year.