Janie's First Birthday Party

I wish I could find more opportunities for Jane to wear this dress.  Jane seems to find it hard to move in, though.

Michael's whole family was able to come because they had Spring Break, too

I finally got my own!

This is the pile before the guests arrived

we had the party two days before St. Patrick's day, so it was Irish-themed--I made bangers & mash, brown bread, green blueberry cake, and Brenda made green punch

enjoying bangers & mash later

Jane's birthday party was well-attended: the Crewses, my mom and Pete, and many friends from Baylor all graced our home! Jane loved it, although she got a bit overwhelmed at times.  She shoved an entire piece of green cake in her mouth all at once, which was very enjoyable for her but seemed to prevent her from napping that afternoon. She got so many cute outfits and toys--we are all stocked up with age-appropriate goodies, just like we were last year from her showers! 

I can't believe it's been a year since she was born.  I really can't believe it.  She is so big and alert, talking, smiling, laughing, and dancing up a storm lately.  The past year has been a very rewarding daze.  We really are completely in awe of this amazing baby God has given us.  We still don't know what we're doing half the time, and still feel a bit sleep-deprived, but it's amazing how you learn to make it up as you go and develop  a kind of parenting confidence.  Janie really is pure sweetness--so beautiful.  How did this baby not exist on the earth before last year?