Drum roll, please...

After a mere 10 months (ha)...

I finally finished the top of our table (the legs still need some work...) and sealed it so once again, we can use our table for more than stacking clean laundry!

I love how it turned out, and I plan on doing some more pieces and I HOPE to sell them at some point, somewhere, some how.

Party time!

Here are a couple of shots from the girly's party:

Apparently one of Ellis' first two teeth is the sweet tooth she inherited from yours truly.

In a perfect world...

Well, if you'd asked me a month or two ago, I would have told you we were going to have a giant bash that couldn't be beat in honor of Ellis' first birthday. I started searching for the perfect theme and decided we'd celebrate 50's-style, with poodle skirts and all. I bought a little poodle applique to attach to the poodle skirt I was going to sew for Ellis. I casually began to spread the word to anyone around to get their kids' 50's costumes ready, for we were going to party like it was 1999, or 1959, or whatever.

Fast forward to 2 weeks ago. I realized a few things: a) There was no way I was going to pull together an extravagant theme party for Ellis in time for her first birthday, b) We live in a rather small home ("cozy" as everyone who enters remarks) and thus simply cannot host more than a dozen people comfortably, and c) Big parties cost big money.

Because of this reality check, I cut down the vision, the budget and the guest list---and I've harbored guilt daily ever since these decisions were made. There are a number of important people who have seen Ellis on a regular, frequent basis throughout this past year, and there are a number of important people who for one reason or another haven't. I wanted the day to be fun for Ellis, and I wanted her to see the people she's familiar with, so that was that.

Now, my hope is that if you were in the latter group that you're thinking to yourself some version of the following: "What's the big deal, Brooke? Honestly, I'm relieved I didn't have to go buy a gift and spend a Saturday crammed into your small house like a sardine while making small talk with someone I don't know and wondering when we're going to get some cake already?"

If you didn't feel that way and feel slighted in the least, please accept my sincere apology. My intent was in no way to hurt feelings. In a perfect world, I would have been able to accommodate all of the people I hold near and dear in one place while not freaking out my now-one-year-old and not requiring people to sit on laps in order to fit on the furniture or be so cramped for standing room that they have to ride on the shoulders of their spouse and chicken fight for a seat in the first place.

Next year Ellis will be more accustomed to the over-stimulation inherent in a child's birthday party and even if we have to rent out a public space, we're having a blow-out party for all who can attend. Because sometimes that's just fun. And I can't handle this guilt again.

Thank you for all of the birthday wishes for Ellis. She had a great two days of birthday fun. I'll post some pictures soon.

This ends my public service announcement/apology.

Happy birthday, sweet girl

What a difference a year can make. You all told me the time will fly, and it has---leaving me teary-eyed more than once today.

Ellis, watching you grow and loving you through each of the last 365 days has provided us with more joy than we could have ever imagined.

I love your sense of humor and your hearty laugh. I love your kisses. I love how easily you smile and get excited. I love how you love to make us laugh. I love the way you say "Hi-ee" to everyone and everything. You have such a friendly spirit. I love how you have just become Ellis.

I cherished our morning together, and the afternoon with the three of us. Happy birthday, lovely little 1 year old.

Can you believe she'll be 1 on Friday???