Keira turns 1

Keira's first birthday party on Saturday was great! She was a little
overwhelmed at all the attention but it was still very fun! We
videotaped a lot of the party but I doubt anyone will ever watch it
except for us. Photos are so much easier for people.

We gave Keira a TMX Elmo. She was a little freaked out at first. She
cried and smiled at once. Elmo stands upright, rolls around on the
floor, laughs, shakes, kicks, slaps his knee, hiccups, dances and
sings. I saw it on YouTube and then decided to buy it for her. Elmo
was the hit of the party.

Some parents warned me about wanting to destroy loud toys or lose the
batteries, but I think with all my walkman days in the past I am
sufficiently hard of hearing to enjoy the loud toys.

We also gave her an Elmo guitar. It is targetted at toddlers and comes
with an oversized pick. Keira was thrilled to receive the guitar. She
watches her dad play and always tries to copy him. Now she can play
along with him.

Some people brought gifts even though I sent out an email saying, "No
gifts!" It was very nice of them!

Mom came to the party, but Dad had to work. It was probably easier for
Mom that way. She enjoys the group setting and feel more comfortable
when she doesn't have to worry about interacting with Dad. Dad visited
the next day. He felt bad he missed the party but really loved the one
on one time.

My in-laws also came to the party. After the last guest left my
in-laws and we went to the Atlantic Balloon Festival in Sussex, New
Brunswick. The sun was setting as we drove into town highlighting just
the sides of the balloons at takeoff. The balloons really are
beautiful. The Atlantic Balloon Festival is always the weekend after
Labour Day. It could be a nice tradition for Keira to go see the
balloons each year on her birthday.

By the time we got home Saturday night, Keira was zonked. We all fell
asleep in minutes.