Happy Birthday, Sweet Stella

Today was your birthday and also the day you lost your second tooth. The latter event was pretty huge because your tooth has been wiggly for a long time and we have been trying to predict when it would fall out. And then as the days wore on it began to seem like the big day might be on your big day. And so it was. I am sure that you will be visited by a very excited Tooth Fairy tonight. We had a really great time at your first birthday party with friends. You really wanted to celebrate on your real birthday at home so we invited a few people who were not away -- Maya from Trinity, Dana from Nevis and Nina and Sophie from our building. Daddy was the games master and he did an incredibly good job at keeping everyone entertained and having fun. And he also did a great job at face painting. We had pizza and cake, of course. And you were so happy the whole day. You could not wait for your party to start and spent the whole first part of the day asking when Clara would be there since you thought she was coming early. But then she had a fever so she wasn't early and I told you that I thought Maya would be a bit early, which she was. So then you just wanted to know how long until Maya got there. You were a great hostess and a big help. You and Vivian cleaned the whole apartment with me and Daddy (mostly Daddy) yesterday. Vivian was pretty cute running around the dust buster asking where the big crumbs were. And then whenever she saw you doing a different job (i.e.: cleaning the windows) she would say, "I want to do that job." Daddy decorated the apartment with streamers and bright swirly flower things and it looked amazing. When you came into our room this morning (early -- like 7am) you had a huge smile on your face and said, "It looks amazing!" At around 6 family members started arriving and you got all excited yet again. It was a long party since your friends arrived around 3:45pm and your family did not leave until 8:30pm but you never ran out of stamina. In fact, after everyone was gone, we made a video and you and Vivian were totally wild and wired. I think you could have partied all night long. You were so cute opening your presents. Each thing you opened was more exciting than the previous thing. You were just radiant and thrilled all day long. Daddy and I are so happy to be your parents and so proud of the little girl you are and the big girl you are becoming. You are a terrific, fun, exciting, adventurous, brave and interesting kid who is a delight to parent. We love you very much. Happy happy happy birthday. Love, Mommy