Happy Birthday, Daddy!

This week, Husband crossed over the precipice and left his twenties behind him. He made me promise not to throw him a party for the big 3-0, so we celebrated with family this week instead.

Last Sunday, his parents joined us for lunch and presents. Catherine helped me make Husband's favorite meal - pot roast, mac and cheese, and fried okra; and his mom brought her famous chocolate chess pie. 

It was such a nice, relaxing way to celebrate our favorite person. And C loved getting to spend time with her Mim and Pop!

Since his actual birthday fell on a work day, we settled for a quick celebratory lunch in the food court (and a carousel ride of course). 

Last night, we were able to celebrate with my family. My brother-in-law's birthday is this week, so we had a combo dinner complete with way too many cupcakes.

I somehow managed to get zero photos of Husband or my brother-in-law; but I managed to get plenty of C dressing up in my and my sister's old dance costumes! We had so much fun relaxing and celebrating with family this whole week.

Husband's favorite response to people making a big deal about his birthday is this quote:

There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age 11. -Dave Barry

Nevertheless, I can't not celebrate the life that has changed mine so much. This man is truly my best friend. He makes me laugh. He has been beside me during some of my favorite memories. He is my late night movie marathon partner, my early morning dance partner, my toughest critic, and my biggest fan. It's tough not to love him or all that he is. He is selfless, gentle, and loving. He is thoughtful and loyal. He works tirelessly to provide a beautiful life for our family; and, above all, he is the best father to the best gift we have ever received. 

I can't imagine my life without this man, nor do I want to. I am thankful for his birth today and every single day. 

Happy birthday, my love (and don't worry, you don't look a day over 29)!

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!

2011 Flashback

Sometimes, I glance at the calendar and am quickly taken back to the date last year.

Last year, on the 21st, I was exhausted from my baby shower the day before and contemplating writing thank you notes during all the free time I would have over the next month...

Surprise! 

Back to 2012 and it's Catherine's birthday week! 

Last night, she got her first present: a fuzzy Pottery Barn Kids chair from CiCi and Poppa. It was a hit!

Happy first birthday week to our sweet baby girl! Let the fun continue!