Haley is ONE!

Haley Jane had a birthday! (three months ago!)

Haley turned 1 on May 28th, which happened to be on Memorial Day. We also happened to be attending our church's big Memorial Day Picnic at our pastor's farm. It's a beautiful farm house in Kennet Square. Haley got to celebrate her birthday twice. Obviously she didn't realize what was being celebrated, just that there were lots of people who love her...and she got to open some presents!

Happy Birthday baby!

I still can't believe that a year has gone by so quickly. I remember as a child hearing how fast I had grown by my parents' friends, or other adults. Now I understand. Time really does fly. Especially when you are chasing a toddler!

We had a party to celebrate our baby girl's first year. Honestly, Dan and I think that the first birthday party should be about the parents. A celebration of surviving the first year, not killing each other (out of sleep deprivation) or the child (by inexperience and ignorance). The parents should get the presents; after all the kid just wants the box and the tissue paper anyway! 

The week leading up to the party was kind of crazy. We have been working on our basement for over a year, trying to finish it before we outgrow the rest of our house. Those of you with children understand just how much STUFF you have when you have a child. Besides the basics, there are just toys everywhere. Then they outgrow those toys, so new toys/equipment come along. Anyway...our hope was to regain our office (after we made it into Haley's room), and to gain a playroom and extra entertainment space. I was a bit driven to at least have the basement painted and have the carpet laid by Haley's party. We needed a backup in case it rained and we couldn't be outside.

Before

After 

We had the carpet installers here two days before the party. I was literally making Haley's cake with a friend while the strange men were in my basement. (they weren't strange as in WEIRD, but strange as in, I had NO idea who they were and they spent a total of 6 1/2 hours in my house.) Thank the Lord the basement is almost done; we just have a  few doors to hang and some baseboards to install. You would not believe (or maybe you would) how much less stress is in this house now that we're basically done. And how much more harmony there is between my husband and I.

Haley's personal cake

Haley's party was a success. No major upsets, except I didn't remember to video her cake eating experience until she was almsot done. But not a big deal. After all, I take a million pictures of everything and hardly ever print them out. 

Haley and Mammy (my grandmother)

Pap, the grilling machine

Haley loves her Aunt Jacki!

Thank you PopPop Marsh and Mimi Eileen.
Haley loves her Wonderwoman

no more presents???

What? You say there's cake? What's that?

hmmm....

I think she likes it!

Yup!

This is what was left when we took it away. 

We had family and close friends here to celebrate our wonderful little girl. I probably would have invited everyone we know, but Dan put the kibosh on that. 

We are so thankful for the blessings God has bestowed on us through our family and friends. Thank you all for loving us and our girl. Thank you for your support in our marriage and in parenting. Thank you for prayers and words of wisdom. And thank you for your Godly example! We love you all, and we are so thrilled to have you as a part of our, and our little girl's, lives. 

The "stash"

Our good friends, Becky and Chris

Memaw and Aaron playing catch

the Proud (and somewhat sick) Papa

Brynn, one of our favorite babysitters and friends!

Haley with Aunt Kathy and Mammy

Aunt Jane with her "gaggle" of kids

Cousin Dylan playing with Haley

Uncle Darin setting up the Elefun!

Look at our Big Girl!