Happy Birthday Mary and Tess!

Today my baby girls turn one! Words cannot express how much joy these two bring into my life. They are the sweetest and most adorable babies ever (and I'm not just biased--everyone says that :))! I am truly blessed with "perfect" girls.

Mary has the sweetest personality. She is affectionate and feminine. She loves to cuddle and observe what her sister is doing. I think she will be very protective and motherly when she grows up. She loves to eat! Sometimes I wonder if she loves food more than me, but then she reaches for me to hold her and I know she has her priorities straight. She looks more like my side of the family which is appropriate since she is named after my mother and grandmother.

Tess Ginger is also living up to her name. She is so spunky! When she was in the NICU when she was born the nurses knew that she wouldn't be in there for long because she was such a little fireball. That determination has continued. Tess has a mind and will of her own. She is always exploring and getting into things. It is sometimes difficult to get Tess to eat because she rather be playing. Quite simply, she loves to have fun! Her smile and laugh will cheer up anyone's day.

We had a polka dot birthday party for the girls last Sunday. It was adorable, if I may be so bold to say so! I stole the idea and pretty much every detail from my friend, Nicole, and my cute sister-in-law, Laura, helped me pull it off. They get all the credit!

The invitation:
The decorations:

The food:

The favors:

Mary, waiting for the party to start:

Tess, looking suspicious about the party:

Opening presents:

Eating their birthday cupcakes: