We did it! Di's first birthday party was a success!

After lots of anticipation, Di's big day finally arrived! We celebrated her actual birthday Friday evening with pizza (her favorite!) and a big slice of yellow cake with chocolate frosting.

Saturday was party time! We had all of our close family and friends over to my parents' house in Weston to celebrate (minus a few people that were on summer vacations). Abby Caddaby, Elmo and the whole Sesame Street gang were on the plates, napkins, centerpieces and banners. Balloons were everywhere! Danny took the day off last Friday to help set up and thanks to my Grandma (Gigi), Aunt Jo, Mom, Ron and Brandon, the house looked amazing!

Diana definitely knew it was her birthday - she loves hamming it up and was shaking maracas, waving at everyone and just checking out the whole scene.
Check out Di shaking the maracas...and more maracas!

The kids ate at a special table and then everyone went into the pool. The grownups enjoyed a six foot La Spada's sub and some delicious salads and sides and chatted in the air condition : ) We ended the afternoon with a HUGE Elmo birthday cake - Nonna Linda was in charge of dessert and even got Diana her own mini cake to dig into. Her eyes lit up while everyone sang Happy Birthday - we've been singing it to her for two months now so she knew the song well. She stuck her tiny fingers right into the cake, got frosting everywhere (including Mom's shirt) and clapped her hands as everyone watched her make a total mess.
Watch the cake videos!
Cake Time
Cake Time2

I'd say the day was a success! It was a big milestone not only for Diana, but for Danny and me too. We made it through thick and thin during the first year of her life, and I think we're doing a pretty good job as first time parents. We really couldn't ask for a more sweet, spirited, beautiful, smart and energetic little girl! We can't wait to dive into year two!

Click here to visit the full picture gallery of her 1st birthday.