My Baby's 1st Birthday

I'm not sure whether to cry or laugh at how rapidly this year has passed. Ummm... wasn't it just yesterday that I was shuttling from the Ronald McDonald House to my baby's room at the Cleveland Clinic? Anyways, Gracie will be one tomorrow, and my parents and maternal grandparents have arrived to help us celebrate. How fun!!! But I, being the well-thought person that I am, really haven't done much to festoon the celebration. My plan is spaghetti and garlic bread for dinner, with a side of garden-fresh tomatoes and cucumber, marinated in ranch dressing. I saw this cute little idea for her cake. Whaddya think? Hmmm? Easy schmeezy for a cake decorating simpleton like me, and the only thing I need to buy is some m & m's, because it wouldn't be right to use jelly beans. Yuck.

As far as decorations go, the way I figure, she's not gonna remember a thing about it, so I see no reason to create a lot of extra work for myself. Next year, I'll see if this excuse still holds water. Ben and I went to the Children's Orchard, and bought her birthday gift for $4.99. I know... we're breaking the bank. We thought about just giving her a cardboard box, as she seems to enjoy those best. We bought one of those pushtoys...they look like walkers for babies. I started sewing a red gingham dress as well, but I need some additional white muslin for the lining and a red zipper. I didn't want to make a special trip to Jo-Ann's since it is very out of the way, so it's still not finished. So, all in all, this will be a pretty economical birthday party.