The Birthday Party!!

The Birthday Party!!

Today was Dylan's 1st birthday. I'm so happy we survived year one. ;) He's such a good baby, there's little to complain about. More and more lately, he's developed the ability to "take advantage of us". He knows when we'll respond to him, pick him up, feed him. Dylan is adorable. I'll dote on him today...like I do everyday.

Of course I threw him a party. I want to thank everyone who came. Family & friends, Dylan, Steve, and I really appreciate having had you all in our home today to celebrate this special day.

Below is a picture re-cap of today's events:

A view of the decorations from the living room. Made the hanging decor, banner, and month-to-month picture line.The spread on the table.

The drink station.

The pizza station.

One half the picture line.

The other half of the picture line. Each clothespin had a cute month sticker (Thanks for the scrapbook kit for Christmas Melissa!) with a coordinating photo from that month. Yes, I'm a nerd.

Eating his Tonka car. Naturally.

Hanging out with Popi & Grammy.

Hi Steve!

Playing it up with Liam.

Hmm...I think I like pizza. Well duh, your Daddy practically lives off the stuff.

Family grubbing on some Oregano's pizza.

Sandi grubbing on my makeshift bench. Thank goodness for sturdy coffee tables, a softy throw blanket, and some throw pillows.

Creepy candid guest photo.

Someone was totally confused as to why everyone was singing this silly song out of key.

Dad brings on the deliciousness.

The progression of the discovery of his birthday cake is as follows: Unsure at first.

Discovering that the cookies are very tasty.

Digging in to the goodness...AKA demolishing the sugar cookie cars.

There we go. A nice big mess. Much thanks goes out to the 54" round table cloth I used as a "drop cloth" underneath his high chair. I surely wasn't about to forfeit our security deposit by ruining the new carpet with gooey cake icing. :)

Everyone pooped out after all of the pizza, present opening, and cupcakes.

All of this was a ton of work for me since I took it upon myself to make the decorations, make the cake, host the party at our house we just moved into 2 weekends ago (i.e. paint, move, organize, decorate, maintain sanity and a regular household eating, sleeping, bathing schedule), but I wouldn't have traded the experience and sheer joy that came from it all. I can't wait to embark on the journey to year two with this little guy. Keep a close eye to the blog (like I'm sure you already do) to see the latest and greatest.

xo,
Jess

P.S. Thank you for all of the lovely gifts and cards from all the family so far away that couldn't be with us today. There was plenty of video footage that I'm more than happy to slap onto a DVD and pop in the mail for you if you'd like one. Just let Steve or me know. :) Dylan misses you all and greatly anticipates the next time we can all be together. All of our love goes out all over the country.