Part of the reason Mommy’s been in her cave this week is just a little case of what we call post-party depression. All of that planning and hustling and bustling and it was over so quickly. And not too mention (although the biggest reason of all!) is that Charlie will be officially one year old on Monday. I mean, is that crazy to anyone else?

Reflecting on her life this past year, I am so pumped about the sweet little gal she’s turning out to be. It’s my hope that we can live up to the responsibility of showing Christ’s love to her in all that we do and say. I want her to be a confident and unshakeable woman, one who can withstand life’s storms and keep her head high. I want her to know that she is beautiful, inside and out, because God made her, not because of what a man tells her or a fashion magazine shows her. I want to know that we gave her the best start that we could.

We have been blessed by AMAZINGLY generous friends and were so touched by all of the thoughtful and sweet gifts that Charlie received on Sunday. It meant so much to us that people chose to spend this very special day with our family. Thanks everyone!

Mommy and Daddy are looking forward to a quiet weekend. Charlie does have a special outfit for the actual day, so stayed tuned for those pics…..

Here’s Charlie’s descent into cakedom. You’ll notice she very daintily picks off bits of icing before tossing aside being ladylike and just going. to. town. Daddy’s friend Craig started lifting the cake up to her because she was getting impatient with the whole “eating” thing. We couldn’t believe she kept the hat on the whole time!!!

Ok, I know. Mommy’s been living in her cave this week. I know you are all anxiously awaiting those shots of the big birthday party. It was a great success. I think we had around 50 people show up, including kids, and it couldn’t have been a prettier day. We were able to utilize our modest backyard and mai tai’s were a-flowin’.

Aunt Janet sent Charlie a VERY special birthday present last week. Affectionately named “Big Cat” (an homage to her Tennessee roots), this pink feline has the girlie all in a tizzy. She likes to play with his tail, and as you can see, this is one cat that she can’t pounce on.

Mommy’s friends turned out today to see Matilda Jane’s brand new fall line, “Sack Lunch”. Who knew how much fun it is to have an actual clothing boutique in your own living room??? Now, if only we could figure out how to get that money tree in the backyard to bloom……

It’s safe to say that Charlie and her friends will be the best dressed little gals in all the land. Even Nana and Mimi joined in the shopping fun! Stay tuned for many future pics of the girlie in her goodies…..

Looks like SOMEBODY is not keeping up with their “honey-do” list…….