The Archie Archives: Happy Birthday Ella Girl!

My princess is one. Holy smokes. We partied like is was 1999. The theme was Spring time in Paris. Obviously, this was mama's party too. There was french music in the air, baguettes, pastries, and no Parisian party could be complete without an Eiffel Tower :) I was a busy lady for weeks prior to this party. First, I dusted off the embroidery machine that Justin bought for me the Christmas before last, and FINALLY learned how to use it. I've been wanting to figure that thing out since I got it, but it's overwhelming, seeing all those bobbins and needles, and I haven't the least bit of domestic talent. Or, at least I didn't think I did. But as it turns out, I'm not half bad :)

Here are some pics from her 12 month photos that I took...

I baked and decorated a smash cake! We took pics with the new camera that Justin and Sherry bought me this past Christmas. My little princess did so well. She didn't really smash the cake though, just a few little fingers full of icing and she was satisfied. Brother on the other hand, wanted to dive in head first! Needless to say, I didn't manage to have the photos edited, printed, and framed prior to the party, but I hope to mail them out and have some printed for either Easter or Mother's Day. Look at my sweet angel in a basket!

Such a doll baby. Her 12 month well child check was yesterday, Ella was 22 pounds and 15 ounces and I don't remember how long :( She was on the 60th%ile for just about everything. Her head was a little big, but hello, have you met her brother? :) This sweet girl is talking up a storm. She impressed our pediatrician so much. Dr. Shawinsky said, "You can carry on a conversation with this child. It's remarkable." Why, thank you ;) (Proud mama) Ella was showing off her knowledge of colors, body parts, trying to put her shoes on, etc. This is one smart girl. She can say blue, and point to the color blue, she can say shoe, book, Jack and make all sorts of animal noises (dog, cow, monkey, elephant, duck, goose, owl). She sleeps through the night (Thank you Lord!) and is miss independent. She wasn't so badly to walk and will take a few steps at a time. She mostly enjoys walking around holding onto someone's finger, only one though, don't try to take both of her hands, heaven forbid!

Our chalkboard in the kitchen...

Daddy, getting in the spirit. He could pass for a disgruntled French man. Wee,wee!

Jack helped get sugar cookies ready for Ella's party. I almost scrapped the whole idea b/c, while they tasted delicious, they looked more like rockets than Eiffel Towers. Thankfully, Katie convinced me to finish them, the night before the party, and they turned out so cute! I'll definitely keep practicing at them. I've looked up some decorating ideas for Easter too. They are pretty easy to do, just takes practice.

Jack also assisted me getting ready for Ella's photos, until he took off with the props :) He said, I go wake Ella up with balloon. And he did.

She was very happy!

The night before her actual birthday, we decorated her bedroom door. I also sustained an injury, trying to scrape dry food off of a measuring cup. I didn't let it slow me down, we had a party to plan!