Emma's First Birthday!!

Emma turned one today! Like I said before, I cannot believe how fast this last year went. Last year at this time John and I were just getting settled into our delivery room at Avera, and about an hour and a half later Emma was here!

Today started out rainy, windy, and chilly. I thought for sure it was going to stay that way with how cloudy the sky was. But luckily, the sun peaked out at about 11:30, just in time for the party.

Unfortunately, Emma has been pretty sick all week with one heck of a cold (these aren't supposed to happen in the summertime!!). She has been snotty, had a bad cough, and just really tired. I mean, REALLY tired. Like, she has been going to bed at 6:00pm and sleeping until 8:30 the next morning, which is not normal for her. So, anyway, we didn't really know how she would handle the big party.

John and I spent the rainy morning setting up the garage and getting last minute preparations done. Emma spent it playing with her toys and looking adorable (as usual). And best of all, she seemed to be feeling a little better.

At about 12:30pm, the guests started to arrive. We had a great turnout as most of John's side of the family was able to make the party. We served pulled pork sandwiches, fruit, baked beans, chips, and cupcakes. Emma handled the crowd pretty well, she had a couple crabby moments, but overall she did really well for not feeling 100%.

And of course, we had to have a smash cake for her. She didn't get too wild and crazy with her cake, but she actually ate a few handfuls of the cake, and seemed to really enjoy all the sugar! Then for fun, I put her pacifier in the cake to see what she would do, and she plucked it right out and into her mouth it went. After the cake mess, we went straight to the tub, had a bottle, and then it was lights out for Emma for a couple hours.

While Emma was napping, the rest of us played some beanbags and hung out in the beautiful sunshine. The day was about as perfect as could be. It was sunny, around 80 degrees, and just a little breezy.

Once Emma woke up, it was time to open presents. And boy, did she get spoiled.

Emma with all of her presents!!!

After presents, everyone visited for a while and then headed out. After the guests had left, us three went to the backyard, and Emma played in her kiddie pool for a while. We also went for a nice long stroller ride around the neighborhood before turning in for the night. 

It was such a fun, but exhausting day. We were pretty much busy all day, and spent a lot of time out in the sun. Even though she didn't feel the best, Emma had a great first birthday. We feel so blessed to have such great friends and family to help Emma celebrate her first birthday!!

The beautiful birthday girl and one proud momma :)