The Big 1

I had visions of a fun little birthday for Brenna, with an outing to the Barnes & Noble story time and lots of reading and art projects at home...and then yesterday morning as I wrapped a towel around my wet hair, I pulled a muscle in my neck so badly that I spent the majority of the day in major pain and practically falling asleep from a muscle relaxer (they weren't lying when they said 'may cause drowsiness').

Good thing she's only one and didn't even realize it was a special day for her. And hey, sure beats last year, right? :)

I was determined to keep one commitment - a visit to Santa at Illinois National Bank where Evan works. Because nothing says happy first birthday like stranger anxiety to the max!

Connor did great and told Santa he wanted a Berenstein Bears book. Easiest. Kid. Ever.

Brenna actually wasn't terrible...she cried a bit and then calmed down. Maybe Connor's presence on the same lap was reassuring? And she sure looked super adorable in her fancy Santa ensemble!

We ended the day on a high note with cake for the three older members of the family...

...and bread for Brenna Boo Boo! That's right, she put not one, not two but THREE foods in her mouth yesterday. Guess she figures that as a one-year-old, it's about time to start eating. (I wish!)

I'd also like to give a shout out to my brother who is turning 27 today! I was so proud to see him in the newspaper yesterday...the food editor wrote about Brian's gluten free horseshoe in her weekly column (the horseshoe is a Springfield tradition - look it up if you're not local...and be prepared to drool.) The recipe is part of his recently released free ebook, Manly Gluten Free: 21 Mouth-Watering Gluten Free Recipes for Guys. Happy birthday B!

And now moving back from the birthday boy to the birthday girl, don't forget that you have until 5:00 CST today to comment on the giveaway post for a chance to win one of Brenna's Favorite Things!! I've been really enjoying reading the wonderful comments on the impact Brenna has made on everyone!