The big 1

You guessed it. Winnie turned one.

It was an absolutely gorgeous day and as soon to be toddlers do, she awoke bright-eyed and crying her eyes out because of a fever. Nice. We gave her Tylenol so she could pull off the party and kept her away from the other kiddies. She did wonderfully and didn't melt down with sadness until late afternoon.

We had a party for her and invited her little baby friends along with some adult friends of ours. Rachel's parents were in town for the festivities and thank goodness for that. Not only was it great having them visit for the week from Connecticut, Rachel bit off way more than she could chew during the planning of the party and Grandma and Pop-pop saved the day by helping with Winnie, grocery shopping and cooking. As we always do in the Florian family, we had a great time planning a party together.

 Of course, Rachel's dad wouldn't let her BUY deli meat "when you can just roast the turkey yourself." So he literally roasted the turkey all night long so it would be ready to make sandwiches in the morning. And yes, it was delicious. My dad is king sandwich maker. I added my own fresh herb vinaigrette and Grandma did the assembly. They were delicious. Schaun was on Winnie duty and at the park early to claim our spot under the pavillion. Things almost came to fisticuffs but his mad negotiation skills prevailed and all was ready for Winnie's birthday bash when we arrived (late).

Gift bags for Winnie's friends...bubbles, balls and treats. Love doing this stuff!

You have to have balloons at a birthday party. Plus Winnie loves them.

Winnie's best buddy, Josh.

Another friend, Mia, indulging in her first cupcake. What an honor! 

 Mom and Dad loving Winnie

 She had a little giggle fest when we all sang happy birthday.

 Then she was confused.

That's right. Winnie's #1.

Winnie's First Snows

The first snowfall of the 2010 Winter season came in early December. It was just a light dusting but as brand-spanking new parents, we promptly swept up our daughter and dragged her outside at which time she looked around and looked at us like, "what the heck are you doing to me?!" and took lots of pictures. We (or really I) squealed with excitement of "Winnie's first snow!" like she cared. Maybe someday she'll care that we took all these pictures of her looking dazed and confused. At least she'll see how very thrilled we are to be her parents, right? That's worth something!

We're all excited and Winn says, "This is lame."

THEN a couple weeks later we got a bigger snowfall that stuck around for a whole day or two (thank you Virginia!). That pushed me to finally knit her a cute hat so she could look the part of snow princess and have a warm noggin. Schaun promptly got her dressed and brought her outside for a taste of snow, literally.

So proud of her hat! Made up the pattern (kind of) myself.

She so doesn't want to eat snow.

Thanksgiving Galore

The day before Thanksgiving Winnie's first tooth appeared. It was just in time for the feast! Good girl. 

Schaun and I hosted a few friends (Dave, Tiffany & Daniel) and we got a little carried away with the idea of actually using the pretty things that have been given to us over the years. So we got out the china, crystal, tablecloth, silver, vases, etc. and had ourselves a shindig. And of course, we made way too much food. Dave handled the bird, which was delicious and some sides while Daniel, self professed cooking- disaster, brought the show-stopper chocolate cake and bread from a local bakery. I made the mashed potatoes, obviously, because that's what I do. Then there were carrots and parsnips, swiss chard, corn bread apple stuffing, cranberry sauce, etc., etc., etc. We just enjoyed cooking, chatting, eating, and eating some more. Good food, good friends, great holiday!

Zee Table...beautiful, no?

Lovin' my plate.

Lovin' the pumpkin pie.

Lovin' Daniel w/ leftovers!

Lovin' Dave & Tiffany

Love, love, lovin' the Winnster.