Guess who turned 1 on Thanksgiving Day?

Evan and I are now officially the proud parents of a Toddler. Chloe's birthday, November 27th, happened to fall on Thanksgiving Day this year. While I'm not sure that she fully, or even partly for that matter, understood the significance of the cake, candle, singing, and presents, she enjoyed them all the same. The best moment for me was when we finished singing "Happy Birthday" and I brought her mini pumpkin pie up close so she could blow out her candle. When her soft, unintentional breath made the candle flicker she was so surprised and delighted. Aside from the ribbons on her present from Aunt Sarah (yes... it was the ribbons, not the gift, that received the most attention), I think blowing out the candle was her favorite activity of the day.

Here are some pics of Chloe on her special day...

I'm not sure who enjoyed eating the pumpkin pie more, Chloe or Mama?

Oh how she loved the ribbon!

These are adorable! She now eats off her "Big Girl" plates.

Hhmmm.... Delicious!

Lok Family Thanksgiving 2008

Some of you might already know this about me, but Thanksgiving is hands down my favorite holiday. And this Thanksgiving was particulary exciting because 1) it was the first time we hosted a Thanksgiving family dinner at our house, and 2) Chloe's birthday (the 27th) happened to fall on Thanksgiving Day this year. I could hardly stand it! In fact, I ended up leaving work early the day before because I was so excited about the dishes I was going to prepare. So, I made a quick stop at New Season's to pick up a few last minute ingredients and then settled in at home to do some cooking. I thought I was so clever to keep Mary (Chloe's nanny) at the house for a few hours to entertain the little munchkin while I cooked, but Chloe just hovered at the kitchen gate the entire time curiously watching me in the kitchen. I cranked up the Christmas music and away I baked.

Here are some pics from the day...

This is the second year in a row that I made a pecan pie. It turned out delicious, but I do think this might be the easiest pie in the world to bake, so the fact that it turned out delicious probably has no relation to my ability to bake.

This was my first attempt at a pumpkin pie, and I was feeling confident enough to try it with fresh pumpkin rather than using the stuff in the can (however I did by the stuff in the can just in case). I think Pumpkin Pie is my favorite, and I must say that it turned out pretty yummy. Next year I might try making my own crust.

Here's a cute picture of Chloe getting some lap time with her Aunt Sarah.

And here is the end result...

While we did have a small amount of turkey drama, the dinner turned out great and Sarah and I had a great time preparing it. I am already looking forward to next year's Thanksgiving dinner!