Happy Birthday, Madeleine!

Note: the picture are all out of order... sorry! I don't know how to get out of this format that I'm in on blogger... it doesn't show me the pictures only a bunch of javascript or web language or something - something I don't understand! - when I'm composing my posts. Grrr...










So, this is a bit late in posting, but Madeleine turned one on the 25th of May and... oh! It was a wonderful day. I didn't anticipate having a big party for a one year old, but I also didn't want to have just a me-her party on her special day with Marc being gone. I'm so grateful to have had friends here to celebrate with Madeleine and I. And Marc was on webcam so it was almost perfect!

She received a few ~gifts~ (things that she really needed, like shoes, and $1 toys from Target) and I made a vegan chocolate cake (she has an egg and dairy allergy - the cake turned out a little on the firm side) with frosting made from tofu (tofutti cream cheese). Madeleine loved it! For the guests I made lemon bars because I know that I, myself, am not partial to vegan desserts (I know what I'm missing out on, unlike Madeleine who is living in ignorant bliss). She did all the classic first birthday cake moves: first used her hands tentatively, then (because cake was a little too firm to just tear it apart with her hands) she bent right down and dug her face in, then she ate the slices we cut for her, and then she grabbed the whole cake and went to town. It made me so happy to see her enjoy the moment!

It has been such a blessing to have Madeleine in our life. Marc and I adore her, of course, but more than that she really makes each day joyful. Yes, I do remember life before her, and it was good, it was. And now life is different and deeper. I have really grown and been stretched and learn every day. It has helped me to become a better person by taking care of another little person so intimately. She is truly a blessing.

Madeleine has 4 teeth with 2 more coming in, she likes to play peekaboo, dances when she's happy or eats food (I REALLY need to post a video of that...), knows how to pat her belly, babbles when she wants to, crawls all over and loves climbing things, and still continues to be a contemplative child. She is definitely more smiles and giggles now than months ago. Her weight and growth are finally achieving a positive slope and the doctors are off our backs (14 lbs. 12 oz. and in the 10th %ile for height). And... my favorite: She gives really good kisses and hugs.

Happy Birthday my sweet girl!