Best Birthday Ever

Rockin' our new Beco carrier!
We love it!
On our way to the farmer's market
early Sunday morning.

The height of the festivities was when my friend Stephen came by to bring me some food, and stayed for

a glass of herbal iced tea and a chat.

My friend Emily offered to stop by with her three year old to help celebrate, but I was exhausted, and thought that dealing with one tired child was enough as it was.

So it was a very quiet birthday. My quietest ever. And I wouldn't have traded it for the world.

We went to our mommy and baby support group this morning, I ran around the apartment trying to get things done this morning (including cooking up a beef stew for the crockpot... sounds so small, but it was a huge accomplishment for me... I've barely done that since I found out I was pregnant) and tidying up. And then this evening I managed to make some appointments to see some more daycare centers on Friday.

Tomorrow my cousin is driving up from the Philly suburbs for the day to see Calliope and me. We are going to meet in Manhattan so we can go see Calliope's great-great aunt, who isn't doing well, and her daughter, my cousin. We will have a nice lunch out and go for a walk in Central Park, and I think that will feel appropriately festive.

But what could be better than this deliciousness???

The sweet snuggliness of a downy head against my
chest... one more reason to love the baby carrier!
(Look at how big that pacifier nipple looks, still,
compared to her face!)

Is it wrong that I kiss my baby on her open mouth sometimes?
OK, not that often.
But look how kissable it is!

She's clapping and singing "happy birthday" here

Preparing for dance class.

I love her EC-friendly leg warmers! Normally I pull them up to the diaper,
but I couldn't resist having some fun this morning.
Plus, oh, those delicious thighs!

A rare occasion of remembering to do tummy-time

The first time she lifted her head high!