and now she's 10

Isabella was so delighted to tell everyone that she was having a double-digit birthday this year. Me, not so much. I can remember when she was just 10 days old, let alone 10 years old. 

My baby who would not smile for pictures has blossomed into a smiling beauty. She amazes me each day with just how witty and charming and smart and confident a young lady she has become.

The little princess asked for a neon rainbow birthday cake, and this Mama made sure it happened. I am in no way in contention for cake decorator of the year or food photographer of the year either, it appears. As incredible as it may seem, this was actually a very tasty cake. I used our favorite cupcake recipe and topped it with our world famous cream cheese buttercream frosting, how can you go wrong with that? The crowd gave the cake a thumbs up and Isabella thought I was pretty nifty for being able to make her dream cake, so I consider it a success. 

This little sweat pea, who had to wear preemie clothes because she was such a tiny, petite little thing for years and years is just six days old in this photograph. No digital camera for us then, so this is a scan. I know I told you she wouldn't smile for photos, but we got lucky and caught her in the middle of a good dream.