Party Time!

The Sunday following C's birthday, we invited family and friends to our house to celebrate our girl with an "Under the Sea" themed birthday party. Since she was about 3 months old, Catherine has been mesmerized by the Baby Neptune episode of Baby Einstein. It is all about water and there is an octopus that she absolutely loves. She even has an octopus toy from the show that she's played with for just as long. So it only seemed appropriate that we run with that and go all out for an under the sea party!

I decorated every night after putting C to bed for the entire week before, but still needed the last minute help of my mom, sister, sister-in-law, and Husband until 2:00 a.m. the night before! We may have gone a little overboard, but you only turn one once, right?

When guests arrived, they were asked to write a note to the birthday girl in a book from my childhood called My Very Own Octopus. It was on display by a 10 month portrait, her invitation, and her birth announcement.

Her monthly photos from the past year were displayed in the living room.

The dining room was decorated with a birthday banner, paper lantern octopuses, and a "water wall" made out of streamers; and I made a white slip cover for the seat of honor.

The table was full of sea themed treats, delicious and beautiful cupcakes made by Aunt Mallory, and the octopus cake!

It was so nice to have our house filled to capacity with family and friends to celebrate our sweet girl. It may have been a little crowded, but I wouldn't have had it any other way. She in one lucky girl to have so many people in her life. 

As soon as everyone arrived, we went right for the cake. Maybe it was the crowd of people staring at her, but she was not feeling it this time. 

She was intrigued by the cake topper, until Mommy took it away...

Mean Mommy taking away the choking hazard! 

We needed to cool off for a minute outside before presents.

A little visiting and we were ready to open presents, and more presents, and more presents!

Oh, how I wish she had something to play with!

I can't thank everyone enough for helping us celebrate our one year old. It meant so much to Husband and I to be able to share this with our family and friends. Thank you to everyone who made this day so special! We love you and so does our sweet girl!

Happy Birthday, Catherine! Hope you loved your first party!