June's Imagination Library Book

Miss Mia received it in the mail on her birthday! How fun! I so love getting a new, free book in the mail each month.

I know a few people have signed up after I mentioned it to them - here's hoping a few more do so as well!

What I especially like is - when I donate to the United Way, I am able to chose where my money goes. I, of course, specified this worthy cause.

Click on today's blog title to link to the Imagination Library Website!

Our First Birthday Celebration

I made a Strawberry Smash Cake for Miss Mia and then used up the rest of the batter in cupcake form. Then, knowing some people didn't like Strawberry, I made up a batch of chocolate cupcakes as well.
Here they are, all decorated. Strawberry icing and plain vanilla icing. I think they turned out pretty cute!


Amelia's Smash Cake - with the "1" candle on top!

One of the new balls she received as a gift.

Miss Mia and Aunt Tortie.

Mommy and Miss Mia.

MMMMMM. CAKE!

My favorite picture from the entire day!

HOW CUTE IS SHE?!?

Although Aunt Tortie tried, Miss Mia just wouldn't pick up the plate and make a huge mess!

Checking out another of her gifts . . .

This is a super cute set of Tupperware that Miss Mia absolutely loves. I think she's going to have my pitcher/tumbler obsession. She hasn't gotten in the cupboard for my 3 pitchers or any of the tumblers since she has hers to carry around.

My Sister-in-law, Michelle, gave them to Miss Mia. If you'd like a set, jump over to her website at: http://my2.tupperware.com/tup-html/G/gapmlm-welcome.html and order one!

(By the way, tumblers both the kiddie set and the grown up set are great prices right now!!!)

(Another by the way . . . MY birthday is coming up . . . I really would like that adult set of tumblers . . . if you're really my friend, you'd buy them for me . . .)

Yep, another ball as a gift!

Mommy and Daddy bought Miss Mia a cute Clacker. It's made in Poland, all wood and kid friendly "paint". I like it so much better than those Popcorn Poppers that are made out of plastic and seem to cost the Earth. This Clacker around $6! I wish I would've picked up more cute wooden toys, alas the store is now out of business (as most good stores have gone in the past year . . .).

Miss Mia showing Uncle Dave the Clacker. She went up to him on her own - a big change from a few days ago when she was too shy to do so!

AND - the best gift of all! Miss Mia herself!

(Dress and bag from Aunt Tortie and Uncle Dave!)


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I think it was a nice, simple first birthday. No pony rides, no clowns. We just had simple cookout food of hamburgers and hot dogs with macaroni salad and baked beans. I, at first, felt guilty for not making it more spectacular, then I realized, Miss Mia isn't going to remember this birthday . .. other than that she likes to eat cake. We'll wait 'til she's older and WANTS the special birthday decorations to waste our money then! This time, it was all about friends, family and celebrating all of the firsts Miss Mia has accomplished in one short year!



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Thank you Jen (www.fatfrogs.com) for grabbing up my camera and taking pictures on your night off! Check out her website if you need a wedding videographer!

Celebrating 1 Year!

One year ago today, I went to the OBGYN thinking I had a kidney infection . . . just a few short hours later, I was holding Miss Mia in my arms!

Miss Mia, you have made my life so exciting and wonderful! Keeping track of all of your accomplishments and firsts has been so exciting.

In addition to the usual firsts, you've had:

Your first road trip (to Michigan, please see the next accomplishment)

Your first wedding (Uncle JR and Aunt Michelle)

Your first grown up party (Uncle JR and Aunt Michelle's Wedding Reception)

Your first Steeler's Superbowl Victory

Your first funeral (nothing we should celebrate, but we need to remember Great-Grampa Russ)

Your first Penguins Stanley Cup Victory

And to think - you're well on your way to running every where!

Your first words: Mama, Dada, Nala, Done! Hi! Night Night.

I can't wait to see what the next year has in store for us!

I love you Miss Mia!

Happy Birthday!

Love, Mommy

My Daddy

Dad took a break from playing catch with Miss Mia . . . .

I whipped out the camera and played with portrait mode to take this picture. I know, he wasn't looking at the camera - he's kinda like Miss Mia. I take what I can get! HA!

Totally Random Shots