Miriam turns one

It is our daughter's first birthday today. Took her to the Catholic church nearby in the morning for a quick blessing. Since the church is located inside a school campus, Mira got her first sight of school. It was almost time for the morning assembly and there was much din and confusion inside and outside on the road - parents dropping children and older kids cycling in. The church was packed to capacity with children trying to make themselves heard and some with their books open. It was like being inside a bees nest. I was worried Mira would start crying but she looked around in wonder and dropped a coin in the offertory.
We had got maid to prepare Appam, egg curry and vermicelli payasam. The only morning guest was Kala, our Tamilian maid, who said she wanted to come again in the evening to present her a pair of gold studs. It made me want to cry.
WE are planning a cake-cutting session in the evening to be attended by V's first cousin and family and Kala, as of now. Plan to follow it up with dinner at a restaurant.
Distributed sweets in the office to my colleagues - but it still doesnt diminish the feeling of guilt about not having a grand bash.