The One with the First Birthday Party

We celebrated Liam's birthday on Memorial Day weekend with all of our family and friends.

The theme for the party was The Very Hungry Caterpillar, based on the book by Eric Carle.  I have always loved this children's book and I thought the bright colors would be so fun for his party.  Plus, I could sneak in my love of polka dots without making it too girly!

I worked with awesome shops on Etsy and was able to have some great items customized for the party.

The invitation was from LCDesigns615 and Lisa was very accommodating with my changes and requests.  She is doing a thank you card for us too.

I found a shop that had a whole VHC themed decor package that included signs and labels and favor tags.  This was super helpful because, while I knew I was crafty enough to put decor items together, I really didn't have the time or the ability to design all the items.

Kiyomi Designs was another awesome shop and there were both generic and personalized items that came with the package.  I didn't use them all, but here are a few pictures of the items we did use.

Treat bags filled with Skittles

Bug catchers (yay Dollar Tree!) filled with gummy worms for the kiddos

 Signs for the doors

A caterpillar using Liam's monthly photos

Close up of the beginning of the caterpillar

The banner we hung right above the food table

Liam's outfit for the day came from Tutu Kute and was so very adorable!

This is one of the only pictures I have of him where you can see most of it.  His name was underneath the caterpillar.

I also had a birthday poster made that we used for Liam's one-year pictures a few weeks ago.  We hung it up at his party, even though some of the info had changed (like his 8 teeth have now become 12 and his cruising around the furniture has turned into running around the house!).

From PhiloDesignz

I was tempted to do the foods from the VHC but with 50+ people coming to the house, it was going to be rather challenging to serve plums, salami and cherry pie (to name a few) that the caterpillar eats as opposed to good ol' fashioned hamburgers and hot dogs.

So, we did a cook out with the typical salads and sides and everyone enjoyed eating and mingling.

If you've been following my blog for a while, you know that donut cakes are a pretty serious tradition around here.  Allie's Donuts makes the most amazing cakes in the world and we have them for every celebration in this family.  Therefore, it was only fitting that they would do a caterpillar cake for Liam's birthday.  We also had a caterpillar made from cupcakes and a smash cake caterpillar head for Liam made by my very talented colleague at school.

Liam did have cake on the weekend of his birthday when we did his one-year pictures and cake smash, so he had tasted cake before.  He didn't dig right in, but with a zillion people snapping pictures and talking to him, I think he was a little stunned.  For the most part, we fed the cake to him, but he did dig around in it a bit.

We were blessed with a beautiful day and had so much fun celebrating with so many of our family and friends.  Liam is very lucky to have so many amazing people in his life!

The One with the Actual First Birthday

Considering Liam's 13 month post is coming in less than 48 hours, I thought it was appropriate to finally write about what happened on his actual birthday.

Another post tomorrow about his party once I finally download all the pictures!

I had a doctor's appointment that morning, so I was home from school and got to spend the day with the little man.

That morning, I made funfetti pancakes for Liam.  It was a really easy recipe that I adapted from several different places.  A box of funfetti cake mix, couple eggs, some oil, and a little water until I reached the right consistency.  I also added more rainbow sprinkles because duh, who doesn't want more sprinkles on your birthday?

Notice my mother keeping Liam away from fire but herself out of the picture.

Liam got to eat off of The Red Plate that I got at my baby shower.

We had matching tops from SaSeaDecor.  The owner paired with Jessica of Little Baby Garvin to create shirts and sweatshirts using one of Jessica's chalkboard designs.  They were perfect for Mr. Man's Cinco de Mayo birthday.  They say "fiesta like there's no manana" and I have been living in the sweatshirt for the last month!

Awkward selfie, messy living room.

After my doctor's appointment, I ran a few errands while Liam stayed home with my mom and picked up lunch from Panera on the way home.

Shortly after I got home, flowers were delivered to the house from Hubs to thank me for our son.  It was really sweet and they were beautiful.

When Hubs got home that afternoon, we gave Liam his birthday present (which technically we put together the day before and had been sitting in the living room all that day).  We got him a customized Radio Flyer wagon.  He loves it and we have been getting a ton of use out of it in the last few weeks.

 You think he likes it?!

We took Liam for a spin around the neighborhood in his new wheels before our Mexican-themed dinner.

Notice the convenient drink holder for Mommy's margarita?

When we got home, it was chips and salsa, margaritas, and tacos for dinner to round out our Cinco de Mayo celebration.

We had a great day and almost a month later, I still can't believe I have a one year old!

The One with Happy Birthday

One year ago today, at 1:28 pm, the most amazing little person came into my life.

He came into this world like lightening (hello two hour labor!) and hasn't stopped since.

He is funny, adorable, loud, a bit of daredevil, and full of personality.

He is the boy who made me a mama.

He is my son.

And I love him right up to the moon and back.

Happy First Birthday, Liam!

(lots more to come, including the 12 month update, birthday party details, and first year photo shoot pictures)

The One with the First Birthday Wish List

As difficult as this is for me to wrap my mind around, the little man turns one in less than two weeks.

Holy.Shiznit.

I seriously have no idea where the time has gone.

We are planning quite the party for Memorial Day weekend and I put together a little wish list of presents for Liam.

Hubs and I haven't decided what we are getting for him yet, but here are some ideas.

Radio Flyer Ultimate Comfort Wagon

I have visions of strolls in the neighborhood with this bad boy and can already see Liam in this all dressed in his Halloween costume next fall.

Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Trike

This thing is pretty cool.  The harness and push handles can be removed so Liam can eventually ride by himself.  It even has a drink and snack holder!

Little Tikes Pirate Water Table

This is definitely something we will get a lot of use from this summer.  Liam already loves to splash in the bathtub and I can't wait to get him swimming.

Melissa and Doug Block Cart

Liam loved these blocks when we visited with friends last month and I think it's such a classic toy that he definitely needs.

FIsher Price Swing

So the jury is still out as to whether or not we have an appropriate tree to attach this swing to, but I still think L needs it!

Pottery Barn Kids Anywhere Chair

I can't decide which print or pattern I want for this chair, but I love the idea of getting a mini chair for Liam.  And my PBK chair is the most comfortable thing on the planet.

4moms Origami Mini

This stroller from my most favorite company isn't even out yet, but this mama is already drooling over it.  I truly love our stroller (Britax B-Ready) but would love this for quick errands when I don't need as much storage space.  A mom can dream right?

Liam can always use clothes too, but I did do some damage at Carter's this past weekend while we were in Maine.

Any other mamas have great first birthday present ideas for the little ones?