Evolution of the Birthday Cake

I am one of those mom's that, while I hate to admit it, judges other mom's for not making their children's birthday cakes. What kind of parent BUYS a cake from the local grocer?? It's negligence. The worst part of this is that I HATE decorating cakes. It is pure torture. I put myself through the ringer emotionally for not living up to these standards. Below are all of Ruby's underwhelming birthday cakes. However, this year, I think I finally did it, I think I came closer to the unrealistic standards I have set for myself.

First Birthday- I wouldn't eat this cake. It just doesn't look very tasty. And, if I remember right, there were a LOT of leftovers!

Second Birthday- Just coming out of my morning sickness coma, I was very proud of this underwhelming cake. I like it a lot more now, but at the time I just kept patting myself on the back for getting a cake on the table.

Third Birthday- too lazy to even make the frosting, at least she had a good time blowing out the candles!

Fourth birthday- SUCCESS!! I am pretty proud of this cake. Sure, I wanted to put more details on it, but ran out of time. This cake, despite its simplicity and imperfection, is my crowning glory. What do I do next year? Can I safely order from the bakery now??

1-2-3-FOUR!

Our baby turned four, she is so beautiful, sweet (and sassy), funny, talkative, friendly, playful, imaginative, creative, artistic, lively, attentive, (and I could go on and on).

Her favorite color is: pink
Her favorite DANCING songs are: Boom Boom Pow (Black Eyed Peas), Main Street USA (Disneyland Paris CD), Swan Lake (Tchaikovsky)
Her favorite SINGING songs are: Baa Baa Black Sheep (which she taught to Gavin who sings it, despite being unable to speak) and Do Re Mi Fa So
Her favorite movies: Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast (her ballet performance version),
Her favorite characters are: Dora, Cinderella, Aurora, and Tasha (from Backyardigans)
She is learning days of the week and always asks "What is tomorrow after tomorrow?" instead of "What is the day after tomorrow?" and will ask you this over and over until you get to Saturday and she says, "And DADDY STAYS HOME!"
Her best friends are: Belle and Sophie, Imandi, Ruqaiyah, and Lindiwe (Lindi)
Her favorite foods are: strawberries and rotti
Her favorite things to do are: ballet, preschool, and swimming or going to the beach
Her favorite toy is: still Kiki
Her favorite blanket: still the Eiffel Tower blanket
Favorite Books: