Happy Birthday to...ME!

Yet another milestone - The Big One, 365 days, 1/100th of a century, divisor of all numbers, El Numero Uno. However you call it, Leah Gwen is 1 Year Old!



Leah's birthday party was planned for Saturday, 12/1, at the Country Inn Suites in Mankato. However, due to Minnesota baring it's cold, wintry soul, we had to reschedule to Friday, 11/30, at Grandpa and Grandma Robran's house. Thanks to everyone that changed their plans at the last minute to attend and Grandma and Grandpa Robran for hosting!



Leah spent the evening getting reacquainted with her relatives. Those in attendance were Grandma and Grandpa Robran (hosts), Great-Grandma Robran, Great-Grandma Sanderson, Great-Grandma and Grandpa Peterson, and Great-Grandma Loverink (the first time Leah has been in one room with all of her Great-Grandmas...and we never got a picture!!!), Grandma and Grandpa Loverink, Grandma and Grandpa Thoms, Uncle Derek and Aunt Jenna (mere hours before going into labor), Uncle Josh, Uncle Joe, Aunt Amber, and cousins Timmy, Allie, and Jacob (he's almost as big as Leah!), and Godparents Jesse and Jenny along with their little one, Zach.


After a scrumptious dinner, Leah had a blast opening all of her gifts. Being the girly girl she is, she LOVES getting new clothes. She's been busy all week playing with her new toys, from her Go Diego Go Airplane (perhaps the noisiest toy on earth) to the baby doll from Jesse and Jenny (she likes to rock the baby and pat its back). Thanks to everyone for all the gifts!

After opening presents, Leah still had enough ambition to tear into a cake. Yes, like every parent has done for the past century, we let Leah dig in hands first into her cake. She was a bit skeptical at first, but once that sweet, sweet butter cream hit those lips, any restraint she had went out the window. See the slideshow at the right to see the play-by-play.

Despite having to battle a cold over her birthday weekend, she had a great time. Thanks to everyone for making her birthday so special.

Leah was pretty close to sharing her birthday with her new cousin, Cale Kiefer. We didn't get many details, but apparently Jenna and Cale are both healthy and doing fine.

Congratulations Jenna and Derek!

Click here to view Cale Dean Kiefer's pics.