CLIPS FROM THE CLARKS: My Sweet Baby turns ONE!!!!

On the 22nd of December my parents and brother (Ilhan) and his family arrived, just in time for Bella's birthday the next day. It meant so much to us to have so many family members come all the way to California for this special day. Much to my surprise the weather went from cold and rainy to clear and sunshiny...just gorgeous. We decided to do Bella's birthday in the morning so that we could all take a big trip to San Francisco in the afternoon, as it was Karen's last day with us.

When Bella woke up from her nap she was quite enthralled with the balloons and streamers in the dining room. We sang happy birthday and gave her her very own cupcake to dig into but a few licks of the icing was all she cared for (kinda makes me proud she eats so healthy!!). Then on to presents...what a blessed little girl. She got puzzles from Ilhan and family, clothes/books/DVDs/toys from Grandma and Grandpa, clothes/toys from Kiki, and a little "bike" from David and I. She helped unwrap a few things but was actually more interested in the toys themselves than the paper! I still can't believe my baby girl is a year old.

That afternoon we drove across the golden gate bridge to Saucelito and then went to Pier 39-the typical tourist attractions. My brother rented a huge Suburban so it was nice to all ride in the "bus" together!

Happy birthday, Isabella Rose:

Excited about her special day!

I think her thoughts were "wow, mom has never put anything that big on my tray before....that's a big bite!"

Classic face...not quite a fan of cupcakes!

On to presents:

Bella loves this baby doll Kiki got her, she will "give it love" by holding to her chest and rocking it. Then she gives it to me to do it....so cute! She is also very big into hats so loves taking off and putting on baby's hat.