Estelle is 1!

It's getting older and it has be that with each child, time seems to go by a little faster and more furious.  Estelle's first year has purely been a blessing.  She's a happy little girl.  I try to wax the relax and wane the 'furiousness' but alas, things move at a pretty good clip.

One thing that I think about a lot is the friends that have lent and/or given us loads of baby gear and clothes.  Albeit having some from Graham's years, we needed girl stuff!  The Best/Schuurmans especially...the Stevens/Murphys, the Torcivia/Griffiths, the Schmelzers, the blonde Hoffes...it's really been an honor to use our friends' things. 

Gives me a warm fuzzy feeling using all of the wonderful, cute, useful clothes and gear - the 'greenness' of reusing,  the ease on the pocketbook and mostly the generosity and thoughtfulness of such tender, spectacular friends.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.  I am so grateful.

Stelly's little family party had a two hour hiatus for a nap but it was so nice from start to finish despite the weather outside.  We just hung out; it was nice and leisurely.  The blonde Hoffe family gave Estelle a doll and she really loves it. 

It's amazing to see how natural tendencies are with boys versus girls.  Graham's favorite thing was a ball and Estelle's is a doll.  It's generalizing, and a stereotype to an extent; but it's so interesting and brings up the partly mysterious nature versus nurture question.

Special cake from Nana!

I (Holly) wore this little tunic for my 9 mo pictures!  My mom kept it and gave it to us recently - they don't make things like they used to...it's in really good shape.

Big brother

Lots of love her

Adorable tutu from Auntie Kacky!

Jason's little 'party' was a bit less planned and he was of course less fawned over but we had a great time at Stonefly Brewery and Cafe Centro in Riverwest.

 Jason also wanted some good cheeses for his birthday and I got Manchego and Drunken Goat - Spanish staple and red wine infused respectively.  We had some left over with chicken & mozzarella ravioli with zucchini & squash...super tasty.

Closing this post with a blip from today's Jesus Calling...

When you forget I am with you, you may experience loneliness or fear.  It is through awareness of My Presence that Peace displaces negative feelings.  Practice the discipline of walking consciously with Me through each day.