My little Essie turns one!

Wow! Time flies when you have a kid. One year ago, my little angel was born. She happened to be born on my sister-in-law's birthday, so we had seperate parties. Here's the cake I made for Melissa that I'm quite proud of:

Chocolate sour cream cake with fudge filling and chocolate buttercream.

And here's my newest favorite picture of Esther:

Esther Lillian Book: You have been such an amazing gift from God. It has been an incredible experience being your mother, being home with you to see all of the "first-times." Watching you discover new things seemingly everyday, and how you always veiwing everything with a sense of awe. I wouldn't give that up for anything, being your mommy was one of the best decisions I ever made. I love you darling girl!

We decided to just have a small party for Esther's first. I have visions in my head of how my nephew burst into tears at his first birthday party because it was so overwhelming when we sang "Happy Birthday." So, we just had my parents, my mother-in-law, and my "grandparents," the Sinclairs. It was such a wonderful time to spend together. I love it when other people love my little girl as much as I do.

Essie's Party Pics:

In her new outfit from Mommy and Daddy. She has never liked wearing shoes.

Dinner was Stuffed Shells, one of Esther's favorites.

Essie's chocolate cake with strawberry buttercream. Mmmm...

Singing "Happy Birthday!"

Love at first bite.

Yummy!

Kisses from great-grandpa Sinclair

Essie clapping (I think she liked the cake).

"All done!"

Before bathtime and high on sugar. :)

After bathtime

Stacking blocks from Grandma Book. She would touch them, but when they almost fell she would pull back and look very concerned...

...so we knocked them down, and she winced. :)

Puzzle maze from Grandma Book.

Grandma (trying not to cry, but failing) and Grandpa.

Opening her outdoors quilt from Grandma and Grandpa. My mom made it and it's beautiful. :)

Opening more presents on her new quilt.

Essie, happy with the wrapping paper she pulled off.

Letter blocks from Grandma and Grandpa. The first one she grabbed was "E" for "Esther." So smart already! :)

Dad, reading "Peter Rabbit" (from Sinclairs) to his little girl.

First soda (ginger ale with cranberry juice):

Singing "Happy Birthday!":

Eating cake:

Christmas with the Books

We spent a lovely Christmas Eve with Aaron's family at his mom's house. Aaron's brother Tony, his wife Bridget, and their two kids, Reece and Malachi, were back in town (they moved to California last summer). We had a delicious meal together and exchanged gifts. Then Aaron, convinced that he'd be able to get his brothers to like musicals, insisted that we watch Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. They thought it was "cute." We had a great time and stayed until almost midnight. I was so wonderful to be all together again.


The 3rd annual family Christmas photo. Getting bigger every year!


The dads with their kids. Malachi being droopy. :)


Grandma surrounded by her adoring, and adorable, grandkids.


Esther really liked her toy from Grandma. It's a little monkey hat balances on a ball. When you push it it plays music and the monkey says, "whoa...whoa...aaa...whoa" like it's trying not to fall off.

Gandma helping Esther open and enjoy her other gifts.

"Is this mine?"