Sweet Naomi: It's FUN turning ONE!

Moreover, when God gives any woman wealth and possessions, and enables her to enjoy them, to accept her lot and be happy in her work--this is a gift of God. (Ecclesiastes 5:19)

Can you believe that Naomi is already 1 year old?! I can't! To think that it was only 12 months ago that she was a little 6+ lb newborn just blows me away. She is so smart and adorable and understanding for her tiny little self. We've done a lot of celebrating for her first birthday and there is still more to come. Here's a little recap of events.

As most of you know, Naomi was born on Mother's Day of 2009. May 10th also happens to be the same birthday of our dear friend Elisha Okawa. Her "Birthday Twin" mailed her a package from L.A. - the very first present for Naomi to open on Friday night... how exciting!

Saturday morning, we headed out to the San Pablo lake to do some fishing off shore. Naomi had a blast... enjoying the sun and relaxing before her big day. Nowadays, when we tell Mimi to "Say Cheeze!"... She totally hams it up on camera =D

Sunday morning, I really felt the blessing of Mother's Day love coming from Naomi and Richie. Aside from attending church, we like to watch Joel Osteen on Sunday mornings. It's one of the few (if not the only) non-children's program that she watches intensely. Richie surprised me with two beautiful cards - one from him and one from Naomi. The inspirational Christian blessings and thanksgiving written inside made my heart melt. What made it extra special was Naomi's loving awareness that this was my moment. She gave me such a warm hug after I thanked her. Even early in the morning, she's up and happy and ready for the world!

Next it was time to get ready for a long day of celebration. First things first... putting on the birthday outfit =) I couldn't believe that it rained in the morning, so since it was chilly, it was time to put on the warmer outfit. Check out Mimi's bed-head =)

The darling ribbon jeans were kinda long and baggy so we did a switcheroo for some comfy pants and of course... Naomi had to have some kind of hair accessory! Doesn't she look like a birthday present?

Grandma Lily wanted to throw a lovely Mother's Day brunch to celebrate Naomi's first birthday. All of the Aunties and Grandmas from my side gathered together in South City.

It was awesome seeing Naomi's cousins Andrew, Adam and Alexis; we don't see them nearly as often as we'd like.

... and awesome cupcakes that Ninang Jasmine and Auntie Aileen made!

I bought matching dresses for Naomi and her cousins Andrea and Meleia. We were able to snap this pic before taking off to the next party:

Naomi was such a trouper because she didn't take any naps while we were in South City and she didn't start to get sleepy until around 3:30pm... just in time to rest for the party hopping. We changed her into her evening party dress and she napped in the van on the way to Pinole. By the time we got there, she was ready for round two. Naomi needs lots of energy to keep up with her amigos, Weslee and Bella!

Here's the birthday girl smiling sweetly in her darling party dress at her cousin Weslee =)

Naomi also had another cake to enjoy! We've been trying to practice getting her to blow her candle, but it didn't happen. That's okay, because I know there is a wish planted in her heart and that God will see that it comes true one day!

After eating even more cake, it was time to get cozy again... and play with the Musketeers some more! Baby Kamrin wanted to join in on the fun, especially when they all gathered around the bouncer. It's nearly impossible to get a picture of Mimi, Wes & Bella all looking at the camera at the same time, but it's those candid moments that truly tell the story. This one might be my favorite!

Naomi had to take a break away from all of the excitement. Yes, I am still breastfeeding her, but we'll see how long that will last. Here's the birthday girl checking out her new hair-do and practicing her future b-girl moves!