we finally got a picture ...

... that kind of shows her teeth!!

The bottom two poked through when she was 10 1/2 months old and the top 4 came all at once a few weeks later!

She is having a ball discovering all that she can do with these new things in her mouth!

oh she makes me laugh

we have one expressive daughter ...

my sweet girl makes me laugh every day

thanks Papa for capturing these moments on camera!!

Birthday Bash

We decided to go all out to celebrate Renatah's first year. There have been so many people who have played a significant part in the first year of her life and we were delighted to have them all come and celebrate the occasion with us. We were blessed with a truely gorgeous day. Rain was predicted but this time we were very glad that the weather man was wrong! The kids got to enjoy playing out the back yard.

While others enjoyed food and company inside.

We played a game of "Pass the Parcel" with quizz questions about

Renatah's first year in each layer.

Then there was the CAKE!! Muma and Papa worked together to make a special birthday cake. It was a first time experience for us and we eventually got there after a few adjustments and "redo's" ... in the end it turned out pretty good ... what do you think?!

the kitty cat was chosen instead of a teddy bear to represent her first word!!

Thank you to those who came and joined the celebration.

Renatah had a great time - we hope you did too!

the last sleep

before the big day ... we snuck in when Renatah was sleeping to take a picture of her the night before she turned one!

peaceful slumber

the day Renatah turned one

November 2nd 2007

She was greeted with her Muma and Papa singing "Happy Birthday to You" and then landing affectionate smooches on her cheek ...

We then had fun opening her cards from family. Thank you Great Nanna and G'pop for the birthday wishes and the fun stickers inside!! Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for the pooh bear card and birthday balloons ... they were a hit!!

The day went on with our regular routines and a few special treats - like a phone call from Auntie Karina and Auntie Anita.

We had a family celebration the next night which included the presentation of the cake!!

The Birthday Cake - her very own!

Every 1 year old needs a 'birthday cake' exploration experience. This is Renatah's. I should add that it was also her first exposure to 'sugar'. She has already indicated her disinterest in naturally sweet things (ie many types of fruit!) so we were not surprised by her reaction to chocolate cake with frosting!!