Amanda is ONE year old

Our baby Amanda turned ONE on July 30th.

We started our day early with walk to flower shop and got fresh beautiful roses for my Grandmother--Omite, who turned 80 on the same day. Amanda and I were the first ones to congratulate my Omite in person and it was very special. Omite was getting ready to bake Latvian piggies in the blanket--Piradzini for Amanda's party. We were the first ones to sample and it turned into very special Birthday Breakfast that both Amanda and I very enjoyed. Omite gave Amanda her first Doll, Blondie with blue eyes, just like Amanda and she loved it instantly.

After nap for Birthday girl, we went to pick up Amanda's cake - Chocolate Cake with Fresh Berries on top, followed by playground while we were waiting for my Grandma's photo collage gift to be printed and framed.

While I was trying to put Amanda for nap, Jason went to store to buy some balloons and got water balloons by mistake. It was a cute mistake since he could not read in Latvian. She was too excited to nap, the 1st nap she skipped during the day ever ;) Jason and I blew up some balloons, girls had fun helping Jason fill water into balloons while my Mom and I were busy to get everything else ready for party.

It was a great kids party held outdoors in my Parents backyard. There were lots of kids and Moms. At one point Amanda expressed interest in water balloons and popped few. It was cute to watch her discover, after the first one popped and she got wet face she was just surprised but I after the second one she was pretty upset and we had to take her clothes off ;)

Later I changed her into her special Birthday dress with cupcake on it. Friend of mine Agnese baked muffins for kids and everyone loved them. My Omite's Piradzini were a big hit too and Amanda's 1st Birthday Chocolate cake with berries was Amazing!

I think Amanda enjoyed her 1st Birthday party. It was very special to share this day with my Omite's 80th Birthday and celebrate with family, friends and relatives in Latvia.

Jason and I went out and had little celebration on our own that evening. We went to Old Town Riga - Vecriga. Wondered around narrow streets of Old Town and explored like tourists ;) We found Mid Evil restaurant with live beautiful Renaissance music. It was lit mostly by candle light and it had very special atmosphere. We truly enjoyed our time there. Followed by romantic walk by canal. We saw beautiful view of Old Town from 26th floor of Restaurant on top of hotels. Also visited family hotel that is owned by Agnese and Arturs. We were tired from all the excitement of this special day so shortly after midnight we headed back home. It was great to end this day with time to talk about Amanda's first year, our family, future and spending some quality time together, just two of us.

Amanda is such a sweet and easy going baby. She loves to give kisses, is so loving and adorable. Amanda is very excited about her new ability to walk and be able to chase after her sister. They share such an amazing bond. It is my joy to watch them grow closer and have unconditional love for each other.

Baby Amanda - We are so happy to be part of your life and happy you are part of our family. It would not be the same without you. This was not an easy year, there were lots of adjustments to be made and challenges encountered and we would definitely do it all over again. You bring so much joy to our family. WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH OUR SWEET BABY GIRL!!! Happy FIRST Birthday!!!