A never-ending birthday...(Don't forget to look at the hayride post below)

It is crazy to think that it has been more than a year ago that I was carrying Mya in my belly. Mya turned one yesterday. Tear. It was a special day for her that really began earlier in the week when the fun birthday cards and gifts were delivered to our doorstep or mailbox. Mya enjoyed opening each gift. Thank you to all who sent a card or gift. Although she doesn't fully comprehend anything that happened yesterday except she was allowed to stuff cake in her mouth, I know I appreciate you remembering her. I often wish that we had family near us. I sometimes complain because we don't. However, yesterday I realized we do have family. Our best friends, Rusty and Whitney, joined us in an afternoon celebration where we donned "Transformers" birthday hats and ate bacon cheeseburgers and layered cupcakes. Rusty and Whit have been with us every step of the way through this crazy journey of parenting. They too were joined by a precious addition in March, yet they always remember and love Mya as their own. I am so grateful to them because while they aren't blood-related, they are family.

Mya loved the cake. I think her favorite part was the frosting. Duh. Pure sugar. Who wouldn't love it? She was dainty at first and tried to lick the frosting off her fingers each time she touched the cupcake. Tim helped her discover the cupcake by lifting half of one and stuffing it in her mouth. After that, the cupcake was destroyed and devoured. There wasn't one piece left over when she was done. I will try and upload the video tomorrow. It is so funny. After Tim went to class and Rusty and Whit went home, I interviewed Mya about her cupcake experience. It was so hard to not laugh as she just answered all my questions with baby gibberish. The interview will also be posted as soon as possible.

Our friends, Kyle and Ellie, came over with a decorated cookie and watched Mya open their present. She loved the packaging more than the gift but will look so cute in the dress this Sunday. Again, when they left...I realized how much family we really do have here in Provo.

We finished the night in Salt Lake City. We went to visit Mya's "godfather" and our good friend, Taylor. We met up with Taylor and Ben at a delightful restaurant downtown and returned to Taylor's house to eat a final cupcake. Mya loved it. I think Taylor's dog, Inga, loved the licking the cupcake remnants off Mya's body. I can't say thank you enough to Taylor and Ben. Taylor has become like a brother to me and an uncle to Mya. We love him and count him as part of our growing family.

Thanks again to all who called and remembered us. This has been a year of changes. It has been a year of growth. Not only for Mya but for me and Tim. As much as I enjoy watching Mya grow up, it is hard to see the baby go away. She is our little girl now.