To view Nuglett-Lulu-Noodle-Budda Bee-Bee grow from a newborn to a one-year old--- every week a photo-- click HERE.
A calm has fallen upon our house. Nora is rolling in her crib...acrobatic preparations for her impending nap. Maxwell and Sophie slumber nearby. The radio murmurs about jobs and Obama. A gentle breeze billows the golden curtains in the window. A helicopter buzzes in the distance.
I have finally found a moment...stolen time from the laundry that awaits drying and folding...to write a post. I can't guarantee much length but I intend to write for as long as possible.
The first birthday, with both dread, excitement, nerves, stress, love, and joy arrived and passed. I realized Friday night, after Nora lie curled upon her knees, cloth-diapered bootie high in the air, that I had failed to whisper goodnight to my baby who would in the morning wake up as a one-year old.
Luckily, she woke up just as cuddly and snuggleable as the night before. Saturday morning found her beaming in her crib, excited to play her new drum (thanks, Grandma Susan).
Ninong Jake surprised his Goddaughter with his arrival. Here she tells him all about Goodnight, Gorilla. She is obsessed.
His visit was a fabulous surprise for the whole family. A very special gift...along with visits from Annalisa and the Vegas crew (Dan's parents and cousin, Ruffa).
Soon the day launched into full swing. I had made task lists for over a month. I had dedicated hours each day for a solid week to accomplishing as much as possible leading up to Saturday. Knowing that the hours would pass quickly that morning, being committed to a timely start, and wanting desperately not to be stressed out at my daughter's party. I can't say that I accomplished the latter. My "to-do" list was lengthy and needed speedy action to accomplish prior to 2pm. I whirled around the house as Daniel and Jake went out to breakfast and to finish the shopping. I zoomed around as his visiting family watched with upraised eyebrows. I tensely doled out items from my list: chop lemons, cilantro, lettuce, tomatoes, hang decorations (and aren't my homemade paper banners fabulous...if I say so myself), give Nora a bath, clean kitchen, wash serving platters, prepare kids' activities, shower, ice the drinks...it went on and on. Nearly sixty people were expected.
At the end of the night, as is the case with events I host, I owed many people apologies (and doled them out sincerely). I am not a relaxed hostess. I adore people who say "What can I do to help?" and even more people who just step in and accomplish what needs to be done. I get anxious around anyone who merely witnesses my tornado.
And the Queen of working with my frenzied nerves and of offering an abundance of amazing grace is my mother. For weeks she has helped me create a menu, map out the tables/stations/activities. She prepared decadent dishes for several days. She came on Friday and Saturday for hours to help get things in order (including styling my hair...which in its accidental style has me mystified). She arrived on Saturday (for the second time) with a calm voice telling me to eat and her hands flew rapidly around setting up food and launching the party. It is difficult to find the words to thank her enough for everything she did to make the party a beautiful affair.
There were countless contributors to the fiesta...Daniel's parents, sister, and cousins all showed their love. Cousin Ruffa's pancit and wraps were an enormous hit. My aunts and our friends brought myriad dishes to add to the buffet. I stood back in awe of just how much care went into the colorful and scrumptious food piled high upon everyone's plates.
Spending time with friends that I've missed as a stay-at-home mom (like the lovely Lorraine).
The entire fiesta was photographed by my beloved friend (and fabulous photographer) Claire. To see all of the pictures, click here.
And after several hours of bright sunshine, Nora floating from embrace to embrace, it was time to cut the cake. I tried to sneak Nora over for some photos with the infamous blocks...but suddenly, with the message going out for the birthday song, everyone was surrounding us. Nora seized the moment and knew she was the star of the show.
The merry melody launched without time to find a reliable video camera (and this morning it was confirmed that no video exists...sniff, sniff, tear, tear). But the pictures speak to Noodle's joy.
My mother's amazing berry-cream trifle was soon served up to the birthday girl. Noodle greeted her dessert with suspicion. Daniel forced a teensy-weensy bite.
This was not appreciated.
It was also Ma's birthday. An amazing gift a year ago that was the pleasant result of being five days overdue for our little Nuglett. We will always have two very special ladies to celebrate on the 17th.
The afternoon glided into evening. Lulu Bell practically dove into her crib with exhaustion. She had frolicked with her beloved girlfriends.
Taken a few steps.
Hammered pegs with her family.
And cuddled for many photos with future playmates.
And with her asleep, my relaxation finally set in. I was able to pick up a glass of sangria and sip strong beer without thinking of impending nursing or entertaining. I jumped into tacos and trifle and fritos and dips with reckless abandon. Realizing that I'd eaten almost nothing throughout the day.
As Daniel and I lay in bed that night, we managed a few words about just how lovely the day had been, how loved Nora is, how appreciative we are for all of our family and friends.
It was a happy birthday indeed.
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