My mom and grandma came to visit and help us celebrate Alyssa's birthday.  We had a mini party that included a 1/2 chocolate and 1/2 white cake with chocolate frosting that was "Alyssa Sized" and then a few cupcakes for the rest of us.

Here's a view of Alyssa's 1/2 white and 1/2 chocolate cake that I baked.  There was a minor fiasco in that I filled the cake pan with too much batter and it spilled over the pan into the oven.  We kinda freaked out when we smelt burning and I was glad it wasn't the actual cake that was burning.  So we opened the window which caused another fiasco.  All of a sudden I started sneezing like crazy and my nose started running and I was like what is going on.  We later realized that the light rain outside had stirred up the pollen and when we opened up the window to air out the burning smell it let in a lot of pollen and thus begun my allergy attack.  Well I guess it wasn't an attack per-se but I felt terrible all day because my allergy medicine has to be taken before the allergy "attack" is in full force or it doesn't work properly.  It was the worst allergy day for me - uh I hate Springtime.  But the show must go on right?! lol  Despite my allergy craziness I did manage to bake and decorate her cake.

We sat Alyssa on our table and set all of her presents around her.  She was able to reach into the bags and mostly pull out her presents which was pretty cool and she even liked opening up the cards.  And she seemed to enjoy all of the presents she was given as well...even the clothes (although she liked the tags on them the best).

Then it was time for the cake.  She wore the Princess Bib that my mom and dad had gotten her and you may recognize it from the pictures from her "First Cereal" photos. We lit her candle and sang Happy Birthday to her. 

Then we put the cake next to her on the table and right away she wanted to touch the candle.  But when we didn't let her touch it right away she cried.  So that was a bummer and we had to settle her down before we 'began again.' 

So then with the candle cooled down she was allowed to touch the cake.  She took a big touch, but then was like "uh - what is this on my hand?" 

I cut her a little piece and tried to get her to taste it, but after knowing that it was "sticky" she didn't even want to try it.  She didn't even want to try a polka dot sprinkle, but then when I had one she wanted to take it off my tongue.  Although it looks from the picture like she wanted me to lick her fingers.

Then Luke decided that he would give her a taste "Wedding Style" and so thus the chocolate face. :)  Then she started feeling tired and rubbed her nose and so then it got a little bit messier.  And then of course she got more icing on her hand and then the show was over.

And so the birthday party ended with a nice warm bath and a happily ever after.

                Happy 1st Birthday Alyssa!