There’s nothing quite like making a complete mess of yourself in front of a crowd to celebrate one whole year on the planet.  Ella had a practice cupcake on her actual birthday (Friday), so she knew how to make the best of it on the day of the party.

This occasion deserved the ever-popular “flip-book” approach for the web posting.  If you’d like the full effect, just print out all the photos, cut them out, and staple together.  Then you can see just how quickly Ella became a complete mess for her big day!

#1: Hmmm…what have we here?

#2: Chocolate!  My favorite!!

#3: This doesn’t seem to fit in my little mouth!

#4: Ughhhh.  I need a break.

#5: Can’t have cake without milk!

(and it’s my first taste of REAL milk!)

#6: I’m not finished, so don’t even think about it.

#7: I hope this washes off — no wait, I don’t.

#8:  Bath time for the messy girl.

Who in St. Louis doesn’t love Ted Drewes? First, ice cream, next week it’s onto birthday cake! Ella takes after Mommy’s sweet tooth.