Post Birthday Thoughts

Ah, the first birthday party. So fun, so memorable, so...damp.
Yes, we got rained out, or rather rained on since we all fought through the weather and tried to attempt an outdoor party despite the deluge. It was sort of sad for me because I'd spent hours decorating and planning and wrapping tents in crepe streamers and balloons only to have all my carefully applied festivity turned into dripping piles of depression in mere seconds. I need to give a special shout out to Emily here for showing up an hour early and helping, and to Chrizzle for coming over the day before and assisting with the cupcake-age. Chrizzle stayed even after I had to go home and made sure all the cup cakes were gorgeous. Do check out the pictures on FB if you get a chance.
We ended up doing cupcakes and presents inside thank goodness. Priceless moments did happen, such as when my 4 yr old niece, Her Boopness, ate her first circus peanut. She took a bite and got a terrified look on her face at which point she carefully spat the bite into my hand and said decidedly, "No thank you, Mimi. I do NOT like it." I explained that circus peanuts are definitely an acquired taste. Queen Boopness the First stuck to popcorn, m&ms and other snacks she'd previously met after that. Princess Sparkle Kitty, my 9 month old niece, did not eat any circus peanuts but she did manage to brighten up anything within a ten foot radius of her with her blindingly gorgeous smile. I think Jeanine (T.G.'s cousin's wife) would have left with her if she could.
Little Guy fully enjoyed cramming a cupcake into his mouth and nose...and up his sleeves. After cleaning him off and changing him into clothes which were not liberally festooned with icing, he opened presents. He's the only baby I've seen open presents and have no interest in the paper or packaging but actually act like each and every present is the very thing he has longed for his entire life. He oohed, aahed, shrieked, gurgled, and exclaimed over every single present...even the clothes. Oh man, I love that kid. He's the best. Although once we got the new toys home he decided each and every one was actually a step stool which he could use to escape the fenced in play area we have for him in the living room. Sigh. Oh well, at some point he will probably notice they have other merits and not just jail breaking qualities.