1st Birthday party!

The 1st birthday has come and gone and so had the 1st birthday party. I had so much fun planning this party and putting everything together. Six months ago when I started pinning ideas I couldn't decide on just one theme. I wanted to incorporate everything I pinned into one party. I soon realized this party could quickly spin out of control. After narrowing down a few ideas I finally decided to go with a Hot Pink/Orange/Gold theme. It's girlie and summery and most of the ideas I had pinned were things I had seen in these colors. I kept going back and forth between having someone design the invites or trying my hand at them. In the end I created my own. I really like how they turned out and I was able to use the background for other party decor. 

I knew I wanted to have several bunting banners and garland to decorate with. Being the crafty/frugal person I am, I knew I could recreate them myself. It took some planning and time to finish them before I left but I'm so happy with how they turned out. I kept the table decor simple and used the treat bags as balloon weights, along with Charlotte's monthly pictures and yarn wrapped ice cream cones. (I don't think I have any pictures of them, but you can see them behind the bags in one of the pics. 

I also wanted to create a cute sign to let people know where the party was, especially for our out of town guests. Too bad the out-of-towners both got lost on their way there. I forgot to take a picture of the sign outside but, this frame was set up and had balloons tied to it. I really love the way it turned out. I was disappointed that it wouldn't fit in our suitcase. I scored the frame at Hobby Lobby for 50% off. Someday it will look adorable in Charlotte's room. 

Since we had invited the kids to bring their swim suits to the party I didn't plan any games or activities, but I did want to have some sort of takeaway (other than candy) for the girls. I thought a headband bar would be the perfect idea. I love, love, love this idea. If you know me you know how much I love a good headband. The girls could choose a headband and add a flower of choice. I didn't get any pictures of the girls wearing them, but they were cute. 

I went back and forth between bar-be-cue and pizza for lunch and in the end decided on pizza. We ordered from our college town's famous pizza joint, Shakespeares, had homemade wings, homemade Rich and Charlie's salad, delicious garlic bread and a fruit bowl. 

Since it's summer I wanted to have a fun treat for dessert. I loved the idea of a sundae bar. I'm not a big cake person and wanted to do something different. I think everyone really enjoyed the sundae bar. I did make one splurge and buy sundae cups and wooden spoons for the ice cream bar. I stamped "enjoy" on each of the spoons to add some flare. 

A friend of my sister's made the smash cake for Charlotte and it turned out adorable. My MIL also made ice cream sundae inspired cupcakes. 

Lastly I wanted to have a mini candy bar. I know they are the new trend at parties and I couldn't resist having one at Charlotte's. I tried to keep with the pink/orange/gold theme in my choices. I think it turned out well and we still had lots left over. The only thing that did not turn out was the cotton candy. I had bought CC at Sam's and wanted to pretty it up, so we put it in the pink polka a dot bags. By the time the party rolled around the CC had disintegrated. 

Ok, now time for some pictures of the birthday girl and guests.

We had a great day celebrating with friends and family and are thankful for to those that traveled to the party. I do have one piece of advice for those planning a special party - hire a photographer or designated someone to take pictures. We did get lots of great pictures, but we don't have any of mom, dad and Charlotte or Charlotte with her cousins or grandparents. Those are the only pictures I wish we had someone take for us.

Hope you enjoy!

Charlotte's 1st Birthday

I can't believe our baby girl turned 1 on August 2. This has truly been the best year of our lives. We are so blessed to call you our daughter. 

I saw a cute idea on Pinterest to surprise your child on their birthday with balloons in their bed. At first C didn't know what to think of the balloons, but she quickly got into the fun. We started throwing the balloons up and letting her try and hit them. 

Birthday breakfast of cake batter pancakes. I'd stick with the original recipe next time, but it was fun to try something new. She didn't know what to think of them at first. 

First mini and me picture as a 1 year old.

On Saturday I convinced David that we needed to take C to Chuck-E-Cheese's for her birthday. He's not a huge fan but humored me and off we went. I grew up going to Chuck-E-Cheese's (I had my 16 birthday there, plus a few more) and always loved it. 

Her first ride. What happened to all the ball pits??  #waitingtocatchadisease #kidspoopinthere #otherstuffhappensinthere Those were the best.

David and I challenged each other on several games. I came away as the overall winner; 4-1 in the basketball game. And for those who have seen my sweet b-ball skills you should know this is huge for me. 

We celebrated with a mini bundt cake, from Nothing Bundt Cakes. They were delicious! 

Happy 1st birthday baby girl!

Whatever Wednesday

I am so over being sick. I've been sick more in the last few months than I have in the past few years. Who knew a 2 1/2 foot 17 lbs. little girl could bring down two grown adults. This last cold has hung around longer than I would like. I'm so over being sick, but I'm sure it's just the beginning.

I picked up the Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella from the library yesterday and I can't wait to dive in.   She hasn't penned a book under this name in awhile. I loved her Shopaholic series in college.

While visiting my sister last week she once again dragged me into watching another Lifetime show, Double Divas. If you haven't caught it, you should give it a try. Yes, it's about a Bra Shop in Atlanta. I know it sounds weird, but it actually pretty funny.

11 Months

11 Months

Height: 26.75 inches long; Between 10-25th percentile*

Weight: 16 lbs. 1.5 oz.; 5th percentile

Head Size: 17.25 inches; Between 25-50th percentile*

Diaper Size: Cloth diapers, Lengthwise second to smallest size, still size 2 in disposables

Clothes: You are still on the petite size. Anything from 6-12 months fits and that's fine with me as we are getting more wear out of your clothes. You can also wear some 12-18 month shirts. You love wearing your cousin's skinny jeans. 

Sleep: I seriously feel like the luckiest momma when it comes to your sleeping. You are still an awesome sleeper, going to bed around 8:00 pm and sleeping through the night. When we are home you take a 1-2 hour nap in the morning and another 1-2 hour in the afternoon. 

Eating: We haven't tried a ton of new foods this month but we have tried carrots, potatoes and tomatoes. You still like most foods and are back to eating broccoli and blueberries. 

Mommies Milestones: You have been very active this month. You can stand on your own for several minutes. You have taken a few steps, but aren't overly excited about walking independently. You can turn around on your butt. You are starting to enjoy being read to. You are into everything and love emptying drawers. You love to say uh-oh, and we have heard yes, ok and bye. 

You got very sick this month with a urinary tract infection and had to have blood drawn and a catheter. It was very painful for both you and mommy. 

10-11 Month Favorites

1. Inglesina Umbrella Stroller - I really love this stroller. It has a large canopy top, decent size basket and it reclines. We purchased the chair table a few months ago and loved it so we decided to buy the stroller. It's been great for traveling. 

2. Fischer Price Activity Table - Charlotte played with this table at a friend's house and really enjoyed it. I hoped it would help her become more confident about standing on her own and I think it has.

3. Snack Containers - I love this snack container. The snacks stay in the bowl and there is a lid for storing. 

4. Bubbles - These bubbles are by far the best bubbles. Added bonus, your hands don't get sticky from the bubbles if don't right. 

5. Fischer Price Laugh and Learn House - This is another toy that Charlotte played with at her cousin's house and loved it. 

6. Britax Stroller Organizer - This is a nice addition to the stroller for keeping my keys, phone and drinks. 

7. Knobby Ball - Charlotte is obsessed with balls. She love them all. These are great because they come it different sizes and colors and are easy to pick up. She can also throw them. They are great for dads too.