Guess who's one...

Taking a dip in the pool on a hot summer day

Naja loves water...almost as much as food

On the run and saying "me, me, me" - this girl loves herself

A picture of the birthday girl on her actual birthday :)

Yes, my little bundle of joy Naja Simone is one year old today!!! I can't believe that one year ago today, on July 19, I called out of a morning conference call for work due to contractions which bred baby Naja a few hours later (yes - my labor was only a few hours - thank God!).

I hosted a party for her last weekend, but didn't take any pictures, however I did post a pic of Naja smashing her cupcake ;). I feel awful about not taking more pictures, but this is the kicker with taking pictures: it's really tough to experience the moment, when you're always snapping away. It's like I'm there, but I'm not "in it", I'm just observing. Since it's just Naja and me most of the time, I'd rather experience the moment than observe the moment.  Nonetheless, I do like to capture these moments to share with friends.

The party had a loose theme of "ombre everything" based on this picture. I prepared the food and kept the menu simple: sliders: buffalo chicken, ginger turkey burger, beef burger & eggplant, pasta salad, chips, corn and watermelon. Thanks to Libby, I offered my guests flavored water as a beverage. I ordered four dozen cupcakes from Sprinkles, and I gave everyone colored assorted candies in the ombre white-to-red theme as a gift.

Naja was surrounded by lots of friends and family at the party. There were no kids at the party -- I have yet to vibe with any parents with kids around Naja's age. Still there were a handful of my friends - Naja's "aunts" and "uncles" - who came out to support her. Naja's family was also there to celebrate. I seriously am so blessed to have the family and friends I have - they're awesome.  It was a good time!!!

As for other life updates...
We finished my sorority chartering, now we're back to our regular scheduled programs
I'm still training for the marathon, my furthest distance thus far has been 10 miles straight. I need to kick up my training, which requires a good amount of time, but I'm not quite sure how I'll balance it just yet...
Naja and I are moving out and getting our own space in a few weeks (we've been living with my parents since she was born), I'm mostly packed and ready for the move
I'll be wearing this little number as the MOH in my cousin's wedding in September, and will be planning the bridal shower soon
I may be locking my hair now - I installed a set of finger coils 2 weeks ago, I don't love it, but few people love these beginning stages of locking
I'll be 26 in 15 days and I have no plans for my birthday right now, but I'm kind of ok with that (if you wonder why -- see above)