Am I Really One Year Old Already?

Sheesh. Well, that was quick, wasn't it? Seems like only yesterday I was slithering out into this big, old, crazy world (and thinking to myself: "I suppose that guy snapping pictures in my slime-covered face, when all I'm trying to do is take my first breath, is the one who calls himself 'Daddy.' Well, la-di-freakin'-da!") I guess time flies when your biggest worry is how to fit the most possible items in your mouth at once.

Anyway, I turned one a couple of weeks ago, and it was quite a production. Tons of family members and friends dropped by Duncan Street Park out behind my house on a beautiful afternoon to help me celebrate. I tell you what -- there were Elmos everywhere! Word must've gotten out that I dig that silly, red creature. The only thing that scared me was all the candles on my cake -- so many, I couldn't even count that high! (Editor's note: There was only one candle, but Lucinda is correct in that she can't count to one yet.)

Thanks to everyone for the awesome presents -- even the non-Elmo ones. You made it a wonderful day, which I will remember forever. (Well, my long-term memory hasn't really developed to the point where I'd remember much of it. I have a hard enough time remembering which is my "ear" and which is my "nose" when Daddy quizzes me on it. But at least I'll always have these pictures to remind me of how lucky a girl I am and what a fabulous time we all had.)

Enough of my blathering... On to the pictures!

Pre-party planning... Everyone was trying to get me to wear this crazy hat. How long do you think that lasted? Well, let's put it this way: look at all the pictures below and count how many show me wearing that annoying thing.

Opening presents.... Is it wrong that I actually get more pleasure from the paper and the box than from the actual present? So, sue me!

This was hyped as the "Princess of All Birthday Presents" by my Nanny and Papa. Well, I'll be the judge of that!... And whaddya know? I'm loving this thing! Can't wait until I'm old enough to pedal it myself. Oh, who am I kidding? I love being pushed around in it -- along with my little penguin family in the back. (Nice sandals, Daddy... Now start pushing!)

Another shot of me chillin' in my new ride. I'm thinking about trying to get it on an upcoming episode of "Pimp My Ride." Wouldn't that be cool?

Here's me with my Grandma Gail. I'm digging those shades, but what I really want to do is crush them with my bare hands. I hope they're expensive!

A present? For me? Oh, you shouldn't have! (No, seriously, you SHOULD have!)

Here's my Mommy, with me in one hand and a Bloody Mary in the other. If one of those Elmo balloons in the background all of a sudden attacked us, which one do you think she'd protect?

So, like, Mommy's friend Danielle gives me this gift -- an Elmo doll, natch. (Did I mention I like Elmo?) But check this out -- this is no ordinary Elmo. It's Tickle Me Extreme (TMX) Elmo! You tickle his tummy, and he goes absolutely berzerk. Starts flailing his arms, rolling on the floor, cackling like a hyena. Even my Mommy and Daddy seemed to dig this one -- at least the first 500 times I tickled him!

That's Maggie the Dog. I like doggies -- although this one's tail isn't really long enough for me to get a good grip on.

Here's another one of me with TMX Elmo. He looks a little tired. Think I should share my sippee cup with him?

Here's me with my friend and former babysitter Leslie. Want to change my diaper -- you know, for old time's sake?

Here are my birthday cakes, lovingly prepared by my Mommy and Nanny. I was bummed when I found out I had to share. But I got first dibs on the nose!

Here we are, right after the singing of "Happy Birthday." A decent rendition, I must say. But I wish everyone had sung it in Elmo's voice.

Yay! I finally get to eat my cake! Yay!

"OK, you caught me in the wine stash... But I swear I wasn't going to drink it. I just wanted to smash one of those bottles on the ground and hopefully spill its contents, preferably next to someone with white pants."

Here's my and my Nanny. She and Papa came all the way from Georgia for my party. I'm certain they think it was worth it, just for the opportunity to hold me!

That's it for now, folks! More updates later, I promise.

Love,

Lucinda