Aspen's 1st Birthday!!!

It's official!!!! Aspen is 1 year old!!! I can't believe it. Time really has just flown this past year. So many things happened; she grew SO much. Wow... There's absolutely no way I can sum up the entire year, but being a mom is awesome, and truly special. It's definitely hard work!!! And, it takes time to adjust to life with a little one. I'm pretty sure there's not much "adjusting" it's more "changing"...at least on some things. ;D But worth every bit! I'm so very thank to our Lord for my little girl. She is so precious to me, and truly our little sunshine.

On Saturday morning I was busy attempting to decorate for Aspen's little party we were having for her. I really need to take party decor 101 from my cousin... Her decorating puts mine WAY to shame...I kept thinking as I was attempting at mine, "I should get M to help me...she would know just what to do!" Unfortunately, she doesn't live in my area.... Lol My conclusion = this is my first child, and 1st party...so, with each one I'll get better. :D Practice makes perfect. So, I just kept trying...it turn out cute, and I was happy because Brian came in at looked around and comment on how nice it was. That was pretty big to me. :) Aspen enjoyed watching me blow up the 15 balloons...I'd give her one, and she'd be happy with it until she realized I was working on another. Then she's hurry to me and squeal until I gave it to her too. She also enjoyed helping me with the crepe paper.... I really did have more decor than you see in most the pics, although, it was pretty simple.

We decided not to do a big Birthday Bash, but rather a small party inviting only Grandparent figures to Aspen, and a handful of Brian & My dear friends. It was a sweet time of fellowship & celebration. Aspen was pretty adorable. I tried to get her to open the door with me as much as possible. But, there were times she didn't...nevertheless, she usually welcomed each guest SUPER excited, walking to them, waving both hands, squealing as she went.

Aspen didn't quite know what to think of the candle on her cake, but certainly knew about the cake. She completely cleaned her plate. I gave her about a fourth of her "funfetti" cake, and she enjoyed every crumb. So, she officially had sugar now. Doesn't mean she can have it all the time, but I won't have cardiac arrest any more when someone tries to sneak it to her...mainly because a sweet friend gave her a toothbrush & toothpaste... Lol ;) I made punch, and Upside-down German Chocolate cake for the adults. Mmmmmm...I was happy with my piece! (and the leftovers...)

Everyone was so generous & thoughtful, and showered Aspen with gifts... So many sweet, thoughtful gifts too! Books!, little stuff animals, a ball, the toothbrush/paste, picture frame... We got Aspen a early reading book set, a movie for when she's older, hairbows, and cheerios... The Lord really provided it all! I was SO excited how He worked! One "set of Grandparents" is building Aspen something...I'm very curious to see what it is..... :D

I hope you enjoy all the pictures & videos... My parents gave Aspen a sing-a-ma-jig that sings Happy Birthday...the videos are of that. (there's a running story of sing-a-ma-jigs in my family...)

I'll wrap up Aspen's birthday I guess later...I realized I posted some pictures out of order, so I'll save those... You'll have to come back! :)

Thank you to everyone for all the sweet cards & texts for Aspen on her birthday! You made it such a special day.