My Little Animal

Mary Ellen's latest trick is to do little "actions" for many of the animals in her jungle animals puzzle. I can't believe she let me capture it on video.

More 1st Birthday Fun

I realized today that if I was planning to add more updates from Mary Ellen's first birthday extravaganza that I'd better do it before August 15 when she will officially become a 13-month old. Here are a few more pics from her birthday weekend:

For the final event on Mary Ellen's actual birthday, we took her to Willow Tree Cafe, a family favorite. This German restaurant features a polka band on Friday and Saturday nights, and our little dancer was delighted by the music. Jenson was delighted with the spaetzle, but then aren't we all?

On the Saturday after her birthday, we hosted a little BBQ for family and some close friends. We really tried to keep is simple, but there were a few special decorations for Mary Ellen. She (like I'm sure all babies are) is infatuated with the balloons at the supermarket. So what better decoration than the largest balloon I could find? Seriously, this thing was enormous. And she loved it!

I put together a quick timeline made of Mary Ellen's monthly photos. It still amazes me that the first year is already over.

Amy and I tried our hands at a cupcake menagerie. Aren't they cute? Don't worry, Amy. I won't show any pictures of the pig-lions.

Mary Ellen was somewhat interested in her little birthday cake, but she wasn't thrilled by any means. She tried a little bit of the frosting, smeared a little on her face, and then declared, "Dow-Doh.: (Translation: All done.)

Fun times with Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle Matt!

Part 1 of what I hope will become a birthday tradition: 1-year-old Mary Ellen in my Cards jersey. It's hard to believe that someday she'll fill it out.

Chores

When Brian and I were first looking to buy our house, I shared with him one of my little idiosyncratic requirements for our future neighborhood: children doing chores. I guess in my mind, it's the sign of a good neighborhood when you see the whole family outside raking leaves or washing the car on a Saturday or Sunday. I was raised in a house that values work and I am thankful for it. I guess I also don't want to be the only family on the block that sends their little one to the curb with a trashcan in tow. Anyway, back then he laughed at my search for the choring children, but I think he understood the point.

Our neighborhood turned out to have a few helpful children, so Mary Ellen will be in good company when she is old enough to lend a hand.

So check out our little darling attempting to help with her first chores. Never mind the dirty laundry. We all have it, you know.