It was a perfect day, if I do say so myself.
My dear friend Lizzie came over for frosting and the donning of (mandatory) party hats. Her father and my mother are best friends, and she and I have known each other since we were about seven years old. We went to camp together, together we took my beloved Gina to the doll hospital after she tragically lost her replacement leg, and Lizzie flew with me when I moved to New York for college, just to settle me into my dorm. I lived with her in two separate apartments, and we have huddled together in corners drinking wine at innumerable gatherings of our jointly extended family.
Now Lizzie comes by to watch Simone a morning or two a week so that I can write, and more than once we have turned to each other to marvel at the fact that holy god, I am somebody’s mother.
No one can appreciate the surreality of adulthood like a childhood friend.
I made chocolate cupcakes, which miraculously turned out to be edible despite a series of mishaps, like not being able to open the bottle of vanilla extract and splashing in vanilla-infused brandy as a replacement. And whimsically adding a large quantity of cinnamon. And being out of oil, and so using melted shortening, which then hardened when I added cold water, meaning I had to throw the whole bowl into the microwave to reliquefy before I could pour the batter into the pans.
The sun shone into the kitchen all afternoon. Simone nearly lit her hat on fire with the candle, but disaster was averted. She happily smeared chocolate onto her face and even managed to convey a small quantity to her mouth.
Like I said: perfect.
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So adorable!
Awwwwwww How cute!!!!!!! Good job on the cupcakes. They look so good I’m 2 seconds from licking the screen. Nothing tastes better than chocolate covered baby. LOL
As sweet as the cupcakes, she is.
So cute, but wasting chocolate at such a young age… I don’t know about that.
Seriously overloading on the cute!
Happy Birthday, Simone!
Those cupcakes look dee-lish. And so does Simone; Oh, the chubby yummy baby cheeks just get better with frosting!
One! Congratulations to all of you! Good job with the cupcake Simone. Toddlers are the only people who *truly* know how to experience cupcakes with all of their senses…
Happy Birthday!
Congratulations Alexa & Scott. What a year.
Wow… can’t believe she’s ONE!!! What an absolute doll! Love the photos… esp. the last one! Happy 1st Birthday, Simone!!! :)
I often feel like having a good munch on Simone’s wonderful cheeks, but they look extra-extra-scrumptious today!
What a truly gorgeous little lady.
Like amoxicillin, chocolate frosting is absorbed through the chin, so nothing is being wasted.
And Happy Birthday, Simone. I predict this will be the year you begin your run as Toddler of the Week.
Oh. Yes. The second picture in my estimation is also “perfect.”
Lovely
Yes…PERFECT!!
Thanks once again for sharing your life with all of us. It’s only 9:00 a.m., but these pictures have got to be the highlight of my day!
Thank you for sharing – she is just beautiful….
She is gorgeous… what a perfect, wonderful day.
My daughter turns one on Thursday. The time just flies, doesn’t it? I’ve loved watching Simone grow alongside her – thanks for the opportunity and the peeks at her cuteness. :)
Oh, that final photo is gorgeous. I just can’t believe this kid is 1 already.
Happy belated birthday Simone. I can’t wait to watch the video when I’m no longer at work and on a rubbish computer.
it does look perfect!
That was a perfect day.
There is nothing cuter than a cake smeared baby! Every birthday is a special day for both of you. Thank you for sharing the pictures, she is beautiful.
The year sure went by fast! Happy Birthday, Simone! You’re a beauty!
I love that last picture! I’m so happy to read that Simone’s birthday achieved perfection.
And this line: “No one can appreciate the surreality of adulthood like a childhood friend.” I have repeated that sentiment numerous times this past week, as my friends and I have celebrated birthdays, purchasing of first homes, and impending delivery of a baby. You said it…well, perfectly. Thank you.
She is simply divine! Happy Birthday Miss Simone.
Thanks for sharing a such great pictures. Happy Birthday, Beautiful Girl!
A whole year already?! Oh my – she’s just gorgeous. And chocolate is definitely her color… Happy, happy birthday, Simone! So glad you had the perfect day.
Alexa, you look exceedingly happy with your girl in your arms. Well done, Mommy! Happy day, sweet baby!
I swear, in every picture you take of her, it looks like she’s saying, “I tolerate you, but only because you feed me.” She cracks me UP!
I’m late to the party, but Happy Birthday, Simone!! It looks like a wonderful celebration was had by all.
Beautiful!!!! Just everything a birthday should be. I am so glad you had the perfect day and enjoyed it – it SHOCKED me when I saw the video entry – honestly blew me away that she is ONE YEAR OLD!! What an adventure, and I love following it along the way! Thanks for sharing it with us!
sounds like a wonderful day!!! awesome pics!
What beautiful pictures, and I know it was even more beautiful in person. Thanks for sharing. :)
Congrats Simone on a year well done!
Perfect!! Happy, happy birthday, sweet girl. So glad to be celebrating this milestone with you!
That last picture is the cutest picture EVER!! Oh my goodness, it’s so sweet it makes my teeth hurt!! Happy Happy Happy Birthday Simone!!
Perfection achieved! Happy birthday sweet Simone!
Thank you so much for sharing with us. Man oh man, she is BEAUTIFUL.
Happy Birthday sweetheart!
Yep, you’re right: PERFECT. :)
Happy Birthday, Simone!
Happy Birthday to Simone! She has come a long long way.
Her resemblance to her father seems to increase as she grows older, which is fine because your husband is a handsome man.
My son looks a lot like his father, which is fine, although I have to keep repressing the urge to tell him: “Who gave you life? Who gestated you?”
Happy Birthday to a lovely little girl!! =) The second picture is adorable!
Totally. In. Love.
Happy birthday to you both!
What great pictures! Sounds like the perfect day. Happy Birthday, sweet Simone!!
Happiest of Happy Birthdays Dear Simone!!! Was a delicious looking baby treat! She was delectable looking without the frosting, now shes too tempting….
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SIMONE!!!
I spent the last few days reading through your archives (From late 2006 on) and I’m so happy for you and Scott. (And Simone, too…she has very cool parents.) Your post about leaving the doctor’s office after finding out Ames was gone just about broke my heart. It’s so hard to walk through the waiting room after finding out your baby is dead.
I have realized, after reading the blogs of many infertile women, that I have so little grace in comparison.
Anyway – congratulations on your wedding, your family, and surviving infertility so well intact.
reenie
Happy birthday Simone!
too freakin cute!!!See Chocolate makes everyone happy. I love Simone’s smile! This is one baby full of joy, mommy & Daddy are too!
I cant believe it is a whole year! Looking at your montage, and remembering seeing them in “real time” and the difference the year has made. My little boy is 1 in four weeks, and its incredible.
Happy Birthday Simone!! xxxx
Happy Birthday to that adorable little girl! Enjoy!
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