When it comes to parties, I love a good theme. So when we started to think about Mini's first birthday, and what to theme it, the Hungry Caterpillar came right to mind. Mini's nickname is Scupper Guts. Cute eh? It's fitting though, as she has an appetite that just doesn't quit. This kid can eat, its adorable... until she's 150 lbs at age four. (I promise that won't happen)

The Hungry Caterpillar was also a great choice because Pinterest has a ton of fantastic ideas for Hungry Caterpillar parties. It was a great party, and Mini really enjoyed having friends and family all in one room - she had plenty of plates to mooch food off of. She just went from person to person and scored bites of cupcake, grapes, cheese and gosh knows what else.

I did learn one pro-mom tip for future 1'st birthdays - red food colouring on the smash cake = red poops for at least the next three days. Oops! The next kid gets white.

Today is a big day in our house, my sweet baby mini, is no longer a baby. She’s my one year old. Miss Mini was born on January 31st, 2013 after a gazillion hours of labour. Seriously, she just wasn’t coming out…. and after 40 hours she arrived into our arms and hearts via c-section.

She has rocked our world in a way that we never knew was possible.  She is sweet, caring and hilariously funny. She is so affectionate and will always crawl over (and now toddle) just to give you a hug and a kiss before she goes on her merry way. She loves to share her toys, food and always makes sure the doggy gets a bite of her cookie (mom’s not thrilled about this one).

I’ve thought quite a bit about this post, and how I would write all these amazing things about my sweet girl, but I can’t even explain how deeply I love her or what she means to me. From the moment I held her, I have loved her more than myself – and that truly is a magical feat, as I really really am into myself.

This year has been filled with tears, smiles, hugs, songs, lots and lots of firsts and the greatest sense of achievement.  And I know it is only getting better – that is the mind blowing thing about loving your children – every day I love her more, every day gets better. Sure we have a few not-so-great mommy needs wine by noon days, but even through those tears and frustrations – she is my mini and she’ll catch me off-guard with a sweet hug, smile or giggle.

Happy birthday my sweet sweet mini. You are loved.