While Janie's Birthday Party was a very fun day, it was busy and with so many guests, it was hard for us to give our little sweetie, and her big sister our undivided attention.  Of course, with all the relatives and playmates, they were both in absolute heaven.  On September 20th, Janie's actual birthday, we did some fun things as a family to mark her special day and the amazing year that we have had as a family of four!  Mommy took a lot of photos!  Even some of Janie dressed in the outfit Clara wore on her first birthday.

When Daddy got home we celebrated with dinner out at Tutta Bella.  We were going to try and go back to the Cheesecake Factory where we went for Clara's first birthday, but opted to stay closer to home so that we could have some fun at home afterwards and still get the girls to bed at a decent hour.  With two, it is funny how the schedule is even more important!  Mommy & Daddy did enjoy a glass of champagne (like we did with Clara) to celebrate all our hard work over the past year. 

 

Family iphone shots at Tutta Bella

Daddy with his princesses!

Once we were back at home, we let Janie tear into another cupcake.  Mommy left the decorations up from the big birthday party so it still felt very festive!

Such an angel face! 

Big sister playing the birthday fairy in Janie's tu-tu and Mom's shoes!

Before bed, we let Janie open some gifts.  First was the plush Aurora doll Clara picked out especially for Janie.  Not long after it was opened, Clara decided that Janie really didn't need it as much as she did, just as we predicted, providing a tough but important little life lesson.  Good thing Janie is a great sharer and therefore Aurora has even made the trip to preschool as Clara's sharing item. 

 With all of Big Sister's help, Janie kind of got the idea behind gift opening.  She shared lots of "ooohs" "aaahs" and "wows" as the packages were opened.  I love the photo below of Janie opening her special book from Mommy & Daddy.  Instead of a card, each holiday or special occasion we get the girls a book that we write a message and sometimes put a photo in.  For her first birthday, Mommy selected If I Could Keep You Little...  It was the perfect book for me to read since on this occasion.  I needed the reminder that if we were able to keep our little ones small, we would be missing out on all of the wonderful milestones that happen at each stage of development. 

With our darling Janie Caroline, we have so many amazing adventures to look forward to!  And many more sweet celebrations as a family!