Hard to believe that Maria Constance is already ONE! I neglected to do a post on her actual birthday partially because we were busy prepping for her first birthday party and enjoying the stunning fall foliage in this lovely place we call home.  Well…I suppose I’ve put it off long enough — much to the dismay of Mia’s many long-distance followers! (my apologies to you) — so here is a slightly belated birthday post.

Aaron and I are delighted with the wonders of spending one whole year with this amazing person.  We had a quaint shindig for her at home.

Maria Constance is turning ONE! Join us on the Fall Equinox to help us celebrate her first trip around the sun!

I made carrot cake with cream cheese/butter frosting (the most nutritious vehicle I could think of for massive sugar delivery), and a special little cupcake portion just for the birthday girl.  We took a billion pictures and I’ve included our favorites here…

Cake for the Birthday Girl!

Singing to the Birthday Girl

Presentation of the cake

Hmmmm…

A little reassurance: Mama says its cool!

First taste

A little help from her friends

Sugar!

Delicious but requires full concentration

Still a bit unsure of this new food? Or perhaps wondering why there are so many people watching her?

Now with the spoon!

Spoonful of sugar

Hard at work and still surveying her surroundings

Dissection of a cupcake

Clean up, already?

Content

Make sure that spoon is clean!

Cool, Dad! That was fun!

Thanks to all of you for helping prepare us to be parents (continually!), for welcoming Mia into your lives, and for being a part of our lives.  We wouldn’t be the same without you!