...and so it begins!

I just have to say that Marissa is one special little girl.  She had phone calls, voice mail messages and emails sent yesterday wishing her a happy birthday (and hugs and kisses, too)!  I thought we had a few more years until she starts gabbing on the phone, but I guess I was wrong. ;-)  She had a special email all the way from South Korea and someone called and sang her happy birthday on our home voice mail.  It makes my heart happy that she has so many wonderful people to shower her with love!

My Sweet Girl is One!

Today marks one year of life for sweet Marissa.  One year of sleepless nights that I wouldn't trade for the world, one year of ups and downs, laughter and tears and more joy than I ever thought imaginable.  From the innocent little angel they laid in my arms to the walking, talking and bubbly little girl she is today.  In the past year Marissa has grown and learned so much; each day she amazes me.  She has made my heart grow a hundred times over.  She's taught me that being a mother is what I was meant to do.  That you can truly love someone more than anything else God can put in front of you.  She's someone I would trade my life for to keep her safe.  She melts her daddy's heart with the way she says "dada."  She is everything I imagined she would be and more.  While I can't wait to see who she will become; I just want to cherish these days of cuddles and kisses.

Marissa Iris, I love you so much!  I'm so thankful for you.  You are absolutely the best gift I've ever been given and you brighten the world with your smile.

Love,

Mommy

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Today we took Marissa to the zoo.  She had a great time!  We really enjoyed spending the day as a family.  More pics to come soon, but here's a sneak peek of our trip.  Off to bed!

Cake Smash!

I thought Marissa's cake smash deserved its own post!  Enjoy. :)

 Very first taste of cake!  We waited for a reason. :)

Marissa's 1st Birthday Party!

Even a hurricane wasn't going to stop us from throwing a great birthday bash for Marissa.  We had lots of food, great presents and yummy cupcakes to celebrate.  Marissa really seemed to enjoy her cake and ice cream.  She wasn't too interested in opening her presents, that will be next year.  Our friends and family were so generous and got her lots of goodies for her birthday.  I've enjoyed reading her new books to her; she's going to be so smart from all this reading.  It's so important to read to children, I don't think people do it nearly enough.  I always enjoyed reading when I was a kid and I hope that Marissa enjoys it, too.

Without further ado, here are some photos from Marissa's 1st birthday bash!  I really enjoyed making all the decorations for the party!

The cake and cupcakes were made by the same friend who did our wedding cake.  I love her work!

Smash Cake!

 Marissa before the party with her bed head. 

 Napkin Rings

 Center pieces

 Back door decorations

 Sign on the front door 

 Play kitchen from Grammy and Grandpup and a few of the gifts

 Birthday Banner

 Loved, loved, loved the smash cake and cupcakes.  They finished the look for the party!

 My DIY Cupcake stand

Opening presents with Daddy

Marissa and Hunter playing in the kitchen

 My little sweetie!

 DIY Ladybug hair clip

 She's a walking machine now!

 Can you see my teeth!?

 So Pretty!

 "I'm soooo big, mommy!"

 Marissa and Daddy

Overall we had a great time, even though there was a hurricane going on outside.  I think we're going to take Marissa to the zoo tomorrow and spend the day as a family!