Double Digits, Watch Out!

How is it possible?? My little girls are already 10 months old.  In less than 2 months, we are going to be celebrating their 1st birthday and giving ourselves a much needed pat on the back for surviving the 1st year of parenthood. Sometimes I don't know how we've managed to stay sane, be somewhat rested, and not lose our cool. Actually, who am I kidding? I'm definitely sleep deprived, a little insane at times, and have occasionally lost my cool. But hey, from the mommy meltdown stories I've heard the last couple of weeks and the out pour of sympathy emails after my last post, I feel totally normal for NEEDING an adult beverage at night to unwind and reflect on all the parenting mistakes I made during the day. 

Since their birthday is just around the corner, you better believe I am already planning MY, I mean their, party. It's pretty hard to plan a 1st birthday without wanting to get carried away. I contemplated so many girly themes...princess, fairies, ballerinas, barbies, tea parties...oh the options are endless!  Basically anything obnoxiously feminine and pink would be perfect. Then all of a sudden it hit me. They aren't going to remember ANY of it so I really need to save my arsenal of playful themes for when they are a little bit older and can appreciate (HA!) or at least get excited about the tricks up my sleeve. I've accepted that it's probably too soon to hire Cinderella to stop by and give my girls some tips on how to snag their own Prince Charming. So I've decided to settle with a quaint, colorful, twist on the classic "Shabby Chic" garden party. Picture colorful fabrics, bunting banners, whimsical pinwheels, a dessert/candy bar (of course, in addition to a real bar) and homemade pink lemonade served up in antique mason jars. I'm excited about putting this all together and even more excited about making it unique, cozy, homemade, and affordable. I've got a strict budget I want to work with and believe it or not, it's been easier and more enjoyable trying to do this on a "dime". There is something so rewarding about bargain shopping and getting crafty. It's almost as if I feel victorious when I stumble upon a gem in the dollar aisle at target or even better... find something with potential in my own house! I know, I'm way ahead of myself but I can't help it, a first birthday is kind of a big deal. It may not be the elaborate, fairy tale party that I had initially envisioned, but it will still be beautiful and memorable.

Time to get started on one of my DIY party projects. Pictures like these, attached to clothespins and hung on a beautiful ribbon.

Just for fun, here's some of the cute stuff that my girls have been up to lately...

-Kisses! You girls love to give your mommy and daddy open mouthed, slobbery kisses. This might be the only time giving a little tongue is acceptable, you hear me? Daddy says don't get used to it.
-Moo'ing! Your papa has sure done a great job at teaching you what sound a cow makes. You are only 10 months old and can moo on command. I see big things ahead of you. In fact, I am already researching  pre-schools for the gifted.
-Clapping! It's gotta be the cutest thing to see those chubby little hands clapping back and forth at the mere sound of a song or spongebob intro. Oh, and if you hear one of those Nickolodeon boy band songs, forget about it, there is no stopping the excitement that takes over your tiny little bodies. I blame you for my Bieber Fever.
-Teething! So this milestone may not be that "cute" due to the slobber and middle of the night tossing and turning, but the little budding teeth that are starting to show is pretty adorable. I am however, getting a little nervous about the nursing situation. It's bad enough that when I don't cut your nails regularly, I look like I have been malled by a tiger. Throw some teeth in there and I might be bringing turtlenecks back in style.


Ok, I've wasted enough time. Time to get working on that project!