un-glam party photos

Ah,  how I love to swoon over amazing party pics that capture every well-planned detail and leave the blogosphere weak in the knees over a blissfully perfect child's fete.....I hope those folks have fun at their parties! I know we had a great time at jay's and I wish I had better photos of party details, but I don't. Maybe next year. I can tell you that I was just about to throw out some of the decorations I've been hanging onto for the last few weeks and I just couldn't so it occurred to me to photograph those to keep. Here ya go. It's what we've got. We had a GREAT time and GREAT party.

 Cake topper and fondant gears courtesy of Biddy Bear Cupcakes

Envelope front and back

Invitation-open

Banner, tissue tassels and 2 of the 6 large "1"s that hung from doors.

Gear shaped Rice Krispie treats for favors

Fun Firsts

Recently we've had some fun firsts to share!

First trip to the dentist- AMAZING! If you're anywhere around Birmingham or Tuscaloosa, I highly recommend Pediatric Smiles

. 

First time in a big-boy cart at Target! This is also a grumpy-sleepy face. 

First time in the forward-facing car seat!

First PIZZA!

12 Months!

This pretty much tells you how our monthly photo shoot went. Thanks for the memories, PickyStickers--I think we've had all the fun we're going to have. 

Jay's 1 year check-up went great--27 pounds, 32.5 inches tall and 49 cm around his head. 95th percentile in all three and Dr. Malone reports that his Daddio's stature has definitely presented itself. 

Clothes: 18 month, a few things are already too small, we're moving into 24 month quickly.

Shoes: Have only worn them once since Easter.

Diapers: This is our last pack of size 4. I debated moving up last time I bought and now wish I would have, but we only have a few days left so we'll manage. 

Teeth: 11! Including 3 molars

Not walking independently but today took 3-4 steps on 3 different occasions. 

New words/sounds

MAMA!!! Finally, just a few days before his birthday as a gift to me. Thanks, Buddy. You'll never know how overjoyed I was to hear you say it. 

KAR-LA (always screamed at the top of his lungs. Sometimes when Karla is here, sometimes when she isn't.)

Papa

He "clicks" as if he's getting a horse to giddyup or to call the dogs or Dada. "Dada, click-click" "Guuuh, click-click"

We're having lots of fun these days, Jay is learning how to pretend and try to trick me when it comes to going to sleep and eating. He's also great at hiding in the curtains and has loved playing with all of his new toys and books he received for his birthday. He also passes the time in some unexpected ways, but has fun no matter what and remains the happiest child I've ever known. 

He is able to get in and out of his new (35-year-old) rocker himself. I'm amazed!

Jay's Party- Guest of Honor

Here are lots of pics from our 1st Birthday bash featuring the guest of honor. I love this little TURKEY!!

Bring on the cake! Bring on the attention!!

I want to do this everyday!!

Clapping with buttercream-covered hands=win!

Aftermath

In his Daddio's rocking chair. Refinished and still rockin'!

Jay's First Birthday!

We have had a WONDERFUL time this week celebrating the ultimate "first" Jay's 1st Birthday!

Kelsey spent the week with us and was a huge help with party planning and prep. Jay loved playing with her and having a backseat buddy on all of our errands. He laughed and laughed every time we got in the car and Kelsey climbed in beside him.

On Jay's birthday we went to our favorite Mexican restaurant with Jay, Mommy, Daddio, Mimi, Papa, Dede, Aunt Jennifer, Weston, Davis and Kelsey then came back home for presents and cake. We had so much fun!

We continued the week with party prep and celebrated on Saturday with 40 or so of our nearest and dearest. Jay had the most fun! Mommy and Daddio loved his party, spending time with our wonderful friends and family who love Jay and have helped make this past year so spectacular. I had a little speech planned for his party and intended to give it right before we did Jay's cake. The reality was that with all of the action, I completely forgot, so pardon me while I share a few thoughts....

A year ago we were overwhelmed with joy when we first met our little "Turkey". Looking around at his party a year later we are still overwhelmed with joy when we think back on the blessings Jay has brought to our lives this year. We've gone from life in 90 minute increments (sleep, feed, sleep, feed) to a full 365 days of happiness, cuddles and laughter with our little one. We have so many people to thank for their support of our family this year. Mostly God for his grace and faith in us to trust us to be Jay's parents, but also our family and all of our wonderful friends who have loved our little fella and made this the best year of our lives. Our little family has grown so much--in number, in faith, in hope, in love and we could never have imagined life could be this good. Thanks be to God for his many and wonderful gifts. Thanks be to you  for supporting our family as we grow. Thanks be to our family for making our lives so unbelievable. Thanks be to my husband, Daddio for being the Head of our home and creating a great place for all of us that is safe and secure. Thanks be to Turkey for showing us the never ending joy and love that comes from being your parents. 

XOXO,
Allison