Dexter’s circus-themed 1st birthday party, Part One

Decorations!

I chose the theme for Dexter’s party after receiving a flyer from Target and seeing the cute decorations and party favors.

I love the bright cheery colors and whimsical animals.  

I found some colorful yarn and circus-themed scrapbook cardstock and made this month-by-month photo banner (which turned out adorable if I do say so  myself). 

For our simple party favors, I went to a bazillion five or six stores and collected these small boxes of Barnums animal crackers.  Who knew they were in such short supply everywhere?  Then I used the same yarn and cardstock to make the triangular tags thanking the guests for attending the party. 

We also decorated with store-bought banners, balloons, paper lanterns, and honeycomb balls.
And the coolest decoration of all, the circus/clown-themed bounce house.  Hello?  Most fun ever. 
Next up, the FOOD.  ðŸ™‚  
xo, 
the Mother of a 1 year old and a 2 year old

Dear Dexter – 12 month letter to my boy

Dear Dexter,

1 year.  366 days (leap year!) since you popped into our lives.  You were born in one push and everything else has gone by just as fast in the last year.  You’ve gone from a squishy, helpless newborn to a curious, funny, smart little boy with a contagious laugh.

20 months ago I found out I was pregnant with you and I was so scared. I couldn’t imagine what life would be like with two babies just 14 months apart.  Today I can’t imagine life without you or our family’s future without these two sweet little brothers that look nothing alike.

You are adventurous and fearless and you keep us on our toes.  You’ve learned how to climb up on chairs… and tables… and you’ve yet to learn that these kinds of adventures aren’t always worth the risk.  You’ve got some bumps and bruises ahead of you, crazy boy.

You’re walking!  Just this week you’ve started navigating on your own from one end of a room to the other.  Those shaky steps are so fun for us to watch and bittersweet at the same time as you are literally walking out of babyhood.

Yesterday, 40 people gathered at your house to celebrate you turning one today.  It warmed your mom and dad’s hearts to see how much you are loved by people outside of your immediate family.  One is a big milestone, little boy, but there is so much more ahead of you.  Of us.  We can’t wait to see where this road takes us.  You are precious, and you and your big brother are our world.  You keep us guessing and learning.

You just keep being your own little man, mister.  We wouldn’t want it any other way.

Today we share a special day.  It’s Mother’s Day and it’s your first birthday.  Thank you, little boy, for coming into my life and letting me be your mom.  I’ll do my best.

xo,
Mommy

Brand new
One month
Two months
Three months

Four months
Five months
Six months
Seven months
Eight months
Nine months
Ten months
Eleven months
One Year.

guess who…

is almost one?

This guy. 
His party is Saturday and I am so stoked!  And sad at the same time.  Isn’t it crazy that way?  His birthday is  on Sunday so I think my Mother’s Day will be pretty special.  
I promise to post pictures of his circus-themed party soon.  
~C~