Charlotte turns one!

So, shame on me for just now getting around to this, but our sweet baby had a birthday.  Way back on February 19th.  I was feeling overwhelmed from two trips we had scheduled, sandwiched around the big day, so we just did a small dinner on the actual day.

After much angst, I decided to attempt Smitten Kitchen's Famous Monkey banana cake.  It came out fairly well, and thankfully tasted better then it looked.  I'd highly recommend the recipe.

Also on the menu, Ina Garten's Chicken Stew with biscuits, Nordstrom's pear salad with champagne vinaigrette, homeade lemonade and Ina's Mocha Chocolate Chip Cookie icebox cake.  Because one cake wasn't enough.

The birthday girl got her own little monkey cake, she beamed while we all sang and clapped.

I wasn't anticipating her reaction.  Sam wouldn't even touch HIS first cake, and had a look of intense disgust on his face in every photo.  Charlotte, on the other hand, is a true woman and wouldn't stop eating after the first taste of chocolate frosting.  I didn't even get a chance to put a bib on her.

"I'm sorry, did you say that I had something on my face?"

The cupcake is gone.  She inhaled it.  Annihilated it.  That's my girl.

This first year has been such a delight.  Happy hearted, a frequent giggler and completely enamoured with her big brother, Charlotte was a welcome addition to our little family, one year ago.  We love you sweetheart!