The Little Unexpected Things

Ella's First Birthday

Bella's P.O.V

If anything was up to Edward and I, Ella's first birthday would have been a quiet get together at our apartment with a small cake. It's only been six months since Carlisle's passing and all special events have been kept on a low. No big parties. It wasn't the way we had imagined we'd spend Ella's first Christmas, but what can be done if no one felt the holiday cheer? But now it was a different case, according Alice, who is close to giving birth. She insisted a big deal that we throw Ella a BIG first birthday party - that she won't even remember. It didn't take long for me to give in to Alice's pleas, which is why I'm thankful Edward kept his foot down on the subject until he eventually gave in.

Since then, Alice has been annoying us with party details. What is the theme? What type of flavor should the cake be? Where are we holding the party? What should do for party favors? Etc, etc. Don't get me wrong, it's not like I don't want to throw my daughter a birthday party, but I've never been a fan of huge birthday parties. Edward seems to agree.

I walk into her nursery the morning of her birthday, remembering well the day I gave birth to her. She's standing in her crib, holding onto the rails, looking at me with a big smile. I'll give that to her, she's the happiest baby in the world.

"Hi, baby girl," I coo. I take her into my arms and rain her with kisses. She giggles. "Hi, birthday girl. You sleep good?" She nods, showing off her growing teeth. "You ready for today? Auntie Alice planned a big party for you."

I walk us back in the kitchen, where Edward is currently cooking pancakes while shirtless. What a view... I place Ella in her high chair and hand her favorite toy over while I help Edward get breakfast ready. I kiss his shoulder as I walk by. He smiles at me. He finishes up the pancakes and goes to greet his little girl. He kisses the top of her head and wipes off some of her slobber off her little chin.

"Has Alice messaged you yet?" I ask him as I take out the coffee.

"Nope, but it won't be long before she starts harassing us," he says, playing with Ella's doll and then looks at me. "How about we hop in the car with Ella and not come back till tomorrow?"

I chuckle to myself. "Alice would never forgive us. Plus, it can't be that bad, can it? It's just a party."

Edward pouts, looking back at Ella. "I don't feel like sharing her with a bunch of people from work I don't even like. You hate your coworkers."

"No, I hate Jessica and Lauren. There's a difference." I finish making our coffees and hand him his cup. He remains sitting by Ella's highchair. "Maybe we're being dramatic. How bad can a birthday party be?"

Edward snorts. "You kidding me? Have you met Alice? God knows who she invited."

"Yeah, but I feel like we've been kind of Grinch about her birthday. She'll only have one first birthday and we're lucky that Alice took all that stress off our shoulders."

Edward nods in agreement. "Yes, you're right. But I'd still like to keep something about her birthday for the three of us. It was just us a year ago."

"Like what?" I smile.

Edward stands up and walks over to the pantry, where he pulls out a pack of Hostess Cupcakes. He takes one out and then a single candle from the mail drawer. I watch him place the candle on the cupcake and lights it up. Ella's eyes widen in amazement when Edward steps the cupcake in front of her and keeps her little hands at bay just in case she hurts herself. I take a seat on his lap and wrap my arm around him as we both begin to sing.

Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday dear Ella,
Happy birthday to you...

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