Brooke's First Birthday

The day had finally come...Brooke's first birthday. My baby girl turned one and at 7:55 am (the exact time of her birth one year ago), she was still curled up sleeping like a baby. After a few pictures of my sleeping angel, I woke her up by singing happy birthday to her!

After getting dressed and having breakfast, we were off to her 12-month well visit at the pediatrician's office. Brooke weighed in at 25 pounds, 5 ounces, 31.25 inches and head circumference of 18.5 inches. She is in the 98th percentile for height and weight and the 94th percentile for HC. Pure perfection. I knew she would be getting some vaccines...but wasn't quite prepared for 6 shots and a pricked finger. I held on to my daughter's tiny hands and restrained her from flailing around, as she cried and screamed. It was heartbreaking. Within seconds, it was over and I was able to hold her close to me and comfort her again. She took the shots like such a big girl and I couldn't be more proud of her. Her levels for the Hemoglobin (12.4) andHematocrit (40.1) tests were great. The nurse was bragging, saying she was doing something right. Go Brooke! The blood work also showed us that she was not anemic. She has to return in a month for the second part of the influenza vaccine, but luckily that will be the only shot that day. Mommy and B had fun taking pictures at the doctor's office.

    

      

  

      

We visited my office so my coworkers could see the birthday girl and then we stopped for at Ohh La La for a birthday sweet for later. We were home (passed out in carseat) by 11 am. She got her bottle and slept until about 3 o'clock! For lunch I tried giving her some of Daddy's delicious mashed potatoes but we only managed to keep a few bites in, without sticking her tongue out and pushing them down her face... (her latest "trick") So we finished off with some sweet potatoes and Apples/Peaches/Squash. Getting Miss B to convert to solid foods is a work-in-progress. She clearly gets her nutrients and is advanced with almost everything else she does. If she wants to take her sweet time making the transition to finger foods, take your time baby!!

In the boss' office.

After lunch, we played with lots of new toys from her birthday party and then watched a little Frozen. We attempted to drink formula from our sippy cup while watching the movie, but only took a few sips. It wasn't long before she was rubbing her eyes and felt really warm. She had a 100.2 fever (from the shots), so I gave her a small dose of Children's Tylenol and the rest of her formula (back in a bottle), snuggled some more and put her back in her crib. I am sure the shots have her drowsy, not to mention the lack of sleep the past two days at the Nanny's. It's a tough job being a "big girl"! She slept until about 6 just in time to see Daddy getting home.

I made homemade sauce for Michael's meatballs, hoping Brooke would eat some spaghetti. Of course, that didn't go as planned, so we resorted to Gerber's Chicken Noodle. We opened some birthday presents - lots of adorable clothes from mommy, Grammy and Auntie. Then, we had attempt #2 at cake. Michael and I sang happy birthday to her, made some wishes for our angel and blew out her candle. She would barely sit in front of the cake, much less play with it. We gave her a lick of icing and a little piece of cake in her mouth and she shook her head at both. Clearly her response to cake didn't come from me! We may give it a third try, thinking she was still not herself from all the shots she got earlier in the day. However, it may be a lost cause and the girl just plain and simple doesn't have a sweet tooth!

She was exhausted by 8, which is an hour after her usual bedtime routine starts. She got her bath and bottle and I gave her an extra big hug and kiss before laying her down. It was a long day and in hindsight, probably not the smartest idea to schedule her doctor's visit on her actual birthday. Nonetheless, the time we did spend together was perfect and I will never forget it. My baby is officially a big girl and I couldn't be more proud to call her mine.

Certain quirks that I want to remember when I think back to today are: 

• You always point your feet up to the ceiling when we change your diaper.
• You fall asleep on your back with a wubbanub in your mouth, a lovey on either side of you and your hands over your head, but you end up with your butt in the air or folded over with your arms and legs under your tummy...and wake up in the morning talking to yourself!
• You try to mimic noises that mommy and daddy make - clicking tongue, coughing, blowing raspberries, farting sounds (with daddy), Indian noises, etc.
• You are capable of walking at this point and standing without holding on, but you know you can go so much faster if you just plop to the ground and crawl.
• Your laugh is the sweetest thing I've ever heard and when something is really funny you scrunch your nose just like mommy.
• In the kitchen, you love to play with your box of plastic straws in the pantry and pull the hand towel off the hook and put the metal piece in your mouth (yuck!). You would climb all the way into the refrigerator and up the shelves if we let you. You have gotten your hand stuck under the trash can lid a number of times, but haven't learned not to play with it yet.
• In the bathroom, you love accompanying mommy, pulling (and trying to eat) the toilet paper, pulling the plastic bag out of the trash bin and opening the linen closet & looking in the mirror.
• You LOVE playing with the blinds and pulling on the strings.
• You love playing in your closet. We play hide and seek and take turns sitting in the closet and closing the door. Brooke always opens it and has a big smile on her face. 
• You love pulling the books off the shelf and flipping through them. Some are still too long and you get bored when we try to read them, but it's obvious you have a love for books!
• You may not like the camera as much as mommy; you always seem to stop what you're doing when the video is rolling. It's hard to capture some of the silly things you do!
• You know how to give sweet kisses...sometimes they're with an open mouth or really wet but they're full of love! You even give your stuffed animals and toys kisses; it's precious!
• You get a kick out of "This little piggy" and peekaboo.
• You take your brush and brush your hair, mommy's hair and daddy's beard (and even try to get mommy's "beard" too sometimes!).
• You are so strong and I can't wait to see what interests you in this next year and into your childhood years. I think you'll be a dancer, like your mommy! Others think you'll be a strong swimmer like your daddy. We'll have to see...

These are just a few of the reasons that make you so special. I know I am forgetting more, but I could really go on and on forever. From the top of your head and fuzzy little hair to the bottom of those cute little toes, my heart is filled with love for every bit of you. You are the greatest blessing to your father and I. It has been a joyous adventure to watch you grow into the most beautiful little girl and meet new milestones this first year of your life. We are eager to see what the next twelve months have in store for our family. 

Brooke, we love you more than words can describe. Hugs and kisses.

Nanny Follow-up / Labor Day Weekend / First Birthday Eve

So to add to my last blog about Brooke's first day with the nanny. She got lots of love from Liam, the 18-month boy who gave Brooke kisses all day long. She only napped 30 minutes all day, as she was too interested in her new surroundings and playing with the other kiddos to sleep. She finally passed out before lunch, but took no afternoon nap. She grew fond of Mrs. Debbie, the nanny, and stuck out her pouty lip when any other adult entered the room. She also attested to Brooke following her around and couldn't stand it to be left in the room alone, if even for a minute. 

Back at home (and smiling) on Friday
after the nanny's and only a 30-min nap!

She was back on schedule for the weekend, even attended Brie's 4th Birthday Party at Chuck-E-Cheese. She rode a few rides and loved it! Mommy and Daddy, on the other hand, were a little overwhelmed with all the chaos and ill-mannered children. It may be awhile before our next visit...

   

Monday was Labor Day, and that was surreal to think that just a year ago I was awaiting the birth of our sweet angel. All of my family was hoping Brooke would make her debut and have me in "labor" on the holiday. Nope, she already had her own agenda and would hold out as long as she could. We didn't do anything special this year - just spent the weekend at home relaxing and went to dinner Monday evening. Thankfully the restaurant was dead, Brooke thought she was "singing".

Tuesday Brooke was back to the sitters and again only slept an hour. When Michael picked up Brooke, Mrs. Debbie answered the door and exclaimed "Oh my gosh, she looks just like you!!!" Wednesday Brooke went to back for her last day with the nanny. Mommy forgot her wubbanub and Brooke barely slept a wink all day! Oops. She is so intrigued with all the people and doesn't like to miss a thing. She grew attached to Mrs. Debbie, which was great that she trusted her. She said she got sad when a parent (stranger to her) came in to pick up her friends (their children); she didn't understand the whole daycare concept and why they were leaving but she wasn't. I think the experience was good for her and we hope to use her a few more times in the months to come. As well as she did with the new nanny, making friends and adapting to a new environment without familiar people, we are grateful to have Grammy and Grumpy back next week.

Wednesday at pick up she was happy to see me, but very restless. After mumbling the first half of the ride home, she ended up passed out and in bed early that evening. Poor girl was exhausted on the eve of her first birthday.

I thought I wouldn't be able to let go of her the night before her first birthday. I dreaded it for months being so bittersweet that I would be an emotional wreck. However, we had a good snuggle and I kissed her and laid her down gently telling her in the morning she would be a big girl. After she was fast asleep, I sat on the couch watching old videos and looking at baby pictures from the last year of her life. My heart was overflowing with joy and love for my precious baby. I never imagined that my life would be filled with so much purpose and meaning and emotion. It is indescribable how much I feel for this little girl and I can't believe the last year has already flown by. So many memories packed into twelve months. I reminisced the eve of her birth and recall nesting at its finest - scrubbing the kitchen floor on my hands and knees! I had my bags packed for my scheduled c-section and was struggling with going to sleep like it was the first day of school. I couldn't wait for September 4, 213 to meet my beautiful daughter. And now here we are a year later...

More gifts for the birthday girl!

"Elf on the Shelf: Birthday Tradition" from Auntie Jen

First day with a new nanny

Grammy and Grumpy, along with almost all of my family were leaving today to go to Montana, to see our cousin Lindsey get married. Michael and I decided it was not a good time for us to be travelling, considering Brooke's age, finances and our work schedules. It was a tough decision, but am looking forward to seeing all the pictures and hearing about the festivities. So with that, we needed someone to watch Brooke while Michael and I work for the next week. Jen's friend suggested her nanny to me, and after meeting with her earlier this week, we decided to give it a try. So today was the first day for Brooke to go to a new nanny!

I was so worried this morning, I could barely talk. I kept tearing up but trying to mentally distract myself so Brooke would not see Mommy's concern. The drive was a little longer than the two mile commute to Grammy's but not much further. I had her bag packed with everything (hoping I didn't forget anything): diapers, wipes, baby food, snacks, bottles, sippy cup, spoon, bib, extra onesie, blanket, play yard sheet, 2 loveys and wubbanub. The nanny thought I was the cutest thing, since this was our first time leaving her with someone other than family, but we both did surprisingly well. I was worried I was going to be in tears and get kicked out the door...BUT Brooke held it together for Mommy. 

I told Brooke this morning that she was going to make some new friends and spend the day with Mrs. Debbie. We walked in and were immediately greeted by Liam, an 18-month old little boy. As I explained all of the contents of Brooke's bag and reviewed her typical schedule, Brooke and Liam had a staring contest, followed by Liam giving Brooke kisses on the cheek. She came over and held on to my leg for a second, but then was back to exploring the room. Debbie picked her up and we had a few more words. I told Brooke "See ya later Alligator" (like I do every morning) and gave her a kiss. She was so content - no wave goodbye, no tears, no fussing, no smile - just taking it all in. I hope she remained that good with the situation after I was in my car and down the street. On my drive into work, my eyes stayed dry as I updated Daddy and Grammy on the morning. We were all so happy with how Brooke took the transition. 

Yesterday, we just so happened to have an impromptu photo shoot before I went to work in the morning. I ended up using some of those pictures to enter Brooke into a Gap photo contest (view the video here) and another photo contest on facebook (NOLA Smocked) for the outfit she is wearing. 

   

   

   

Six more days and we will officially have a one year old...

Headbands by Simply Sweet...a little lady boutique. Shoes by Two Little Indians Baby Moccasins.

Cupcakes & Carousels

I started months prior to Brooke's birthday trying to pick the perfect theme for her first birthday party. I searched all over the internet for ideas and narrowed it down to Breakfast at Tiffany's, Cupcakes & Carousels or Sweet Pea. After coming across the cutest carousel cupcake holder online one day, that was the icing on the cake (no pun intended!) and confirmed my decision. Brooke had never even tried cake, and only been on a carousel once, but I loved the colors and just knew it would be perfect!

My sister Jen and I began planning and buying. She is a project manager and I am an event planner, so there was no doubt we would think of everything together. I am incredibly grateful for all of her advice and help in planning and executing the perfect party! Leading up to the day, I don't think Brooke (or Michael) had any idea exactly what to expect on Saturday, August 23, 2014...

   

 

   

 

 

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

 

   

   

   

For those more interested in the party planning details, please read on:

I found a digital art kit on Etsy so that I could customize the invitations and tweak the final touches on my own. This would allow me to be indecisive and make multiple changes as needed, rather than just putting it all in someone else's hands. I used the same kit to make the favor labels, birthday stats poster, photo banner, welcome sign, high chair "ONE" pennant banner, custom coloring books, thank you cards, etc (most of which I completed in Photoshop CS5 or on ipiccy.com). 

I must have been a poet in my past life, everything I created had to rhyme. The front of the invitation read: "The Carousel of Life turns so fast, It’s hard to believe a year has passed! Our little girl is so much fun, Join us in celebrating her turning one!" and the back read: "Although cards are nice, they're read once or twice. A book is a treasure forever and ever. Instead of a card to be put aside, Please consider a book with your name & wishes inside." The sign by the puzzle read: "Please take a piece from the puzzle and a sharpie pen. Write something sweet on the back and toss it in the tin. Brooke will cherish your loving words for years beyond today, When she pulls out this special puzzle to read your note and play!" The sign by the favors read: "Thanks for coming to celebrate with me. Grab a jar of sweets for after the party."

I wanted guests to sign something different - not just a page in her baby book, but something that would be looked at and used for years to come. I came across the idea of a picture puzzle and loved it! The carousel photo shoot was at Memorial City Mall early on a weekday morning. The puzzle turned out more perfect than I could have hoped for. I provided sharpies for guests to write their name and birthday wishes on the back of a piece. 

We also purchased frames at the dollar store - spray painted them to match the rest of the decor and put pictures from the photo shoot into them. Provided perfect decoration for the party and guests were allowed to take one home with them when it was over.

"She leaves a little sparkle wherever she goes" sign was inspired by Prettiest Print Shop. My cousin Kelly is a graphic designer and was able to help me get the exact colors I wanted. Once she sent me the jpeg, I sent it over to CVS Photo and had a canvas printed. I wish I would have done more canvas art for the party, but this is something easy I can always do more of later and it is great wall decor for a nursery or playroom.

Other favors were the Cupcake cotton candy, custom crayons & coloring books, and candy jars. I recycled baby food jars! After washing the jars, I spray painted the lids mint and gold (again coordinating with the other decor). I filled the big jars with the pink and white frosted circus animal cookies and the little ones were filled with gold sixlets. I printed labels with a sweet message and Brooke's picture to adhere to the jars and tie a small pink ribbon around. These were a lot of work...and half of the guests had left before I remembered to tell people to take one. 

Using those same spray paint colors, we painted the outside of mason jars. Put them face down on a box and spray on a coat or two. Super easy and looks so cute! We used these jars for the plastic ware, paper straws, and floral arrangements. Simple white and pink roses were the perfect touch for the party; I wasn't interested in messing with balloons. To incorporate the theme once again, I taped kabob skewers to the back of the carousel die cuts and added a couple of those to the flowers.

I put a lot of thought behind all the food as well. We had carousel horse-shaped peanut butter sandwiches because we referred to Brooke as PB (precious baby) during my entire pregnancy. I purchased cookie cutters shaped like the number "1", cupcake and carousel horse. However, the one and cupcake arrived the day of the party (my mistake for not using Amazon Prime). We also had homemade pimento cheese sandwiches. There were BLT skewers, in honor of Brooke's initials. We also had crackers & jalapeno artichoke dip, fruit and dip, mini corndogs, frosted circus animal cookies and, of course, an assortment of cupcakes to coordinate with the party theme colors.

I will say it was rather difficult getting all the colors to match. Mint could be interpreted anywhere from lime green to turquoise and the light pink ranged from nude to hot pink. It was a struggle, but in the end I think everything blended perfect.

There were less than 10 kids coming to the party, so I didn't plan anything extravagant for an activity, especially since all of them were under the age of 5. I had a Little Tikes bounce house in the backyard and inside there was a short table covered with a plastic tablecloth with the custom crayons and coloring books. Again I used the digital party kit to personalize a cover and back for the book. Then I searched online for clipart images of cupcakes and carousels to put on the pages inside. 

In hindsight, here are some additional notes for future kids' birthday parties:

• Keep it simple. Kids' parties should be short and carefree. The kids aren't going to remember and it's over before you know it.
• Have your food catered or prepared the day before, if possible. Last minute food never works out. There will always be other things that pop up right before the party, so make the food easy.
• For drinks, we provided bottled water and pink lemonade. The more the options you have, the more work it will be for you, mess to clean up and picky guests to voice their opinion on the one thing you're missing.
• I can't speak for everyone, but our little one went the first year of her life never trying cake. Her party was the first time to be introduced to it...and she wasn't a fan. Not sure if it was the fact 30+ people were standing around singing and watching her eat, but we had an elaborate cake made and she was completely uninterested.
• Put someone in charge of taking pictures. You will be entirely to busy entertaining guests, chasing your child and opening presents to think of photos. But trust me; you want to remember this day!
• Put someone in charge to communicating specifics to guests - whether it is answering the door, signing the guest book, or passing out favors. This is something else you won't be able to do yourself.
• Mommies - don't wear a dress. I went back and forth on wearing a dress (a mint one to coordinate with the colors, of course) or dressing comfy (a summer birthday party in Houston should mean shorts)...and mistakenly I chose the dress. It was not practical to open gifts or bend down to pick up my daughter during the entirety of the party. It wasn't worth it for a few pictures, honestly.
• I hope this one doesn't come across as tacky, but it's the truth. There is no need to buy your little one an abundance of presents (at least the first birthday, in my opinion). They are going to get more than you can imagine from guests. Buy them something they will cherish past their toddler years. Or maybe wait until after the party, and see what else they still need.
• Start traditions. We are going to write a letter in Dr. Seuss' "Oh the Places You'll Go!" book every year until she turns 18, in which we will present it to her as an adult. Be unique. Do something special!

Credit and links for the various items:

Petti lace romper by The Simply Chic Baby

Cupcakes & Carousels digital party kit by Kaylee Bug Design

Gold return address labels by Shutterfly

Custom party dress, bib, bloomers & hat by Jay Bird Baby

"Sparkle & Shine" headband by Simply Sweet...a little lady boutique

Gold and cream moccasins by Two Little Indians Mocs

Custom photo puzzle & tin by Portrait Puzzles

Cupcake cotton candy by Fun Sweets

Tassel garland, cupcake holders, carousel sign,
cake toppers & paper confetti by Fiesta Bella

Fabric garland by ohMYcharley

Custom carousel horse die cuts by Studio Cee

Custom crayons by Scribblers Crayons

Monogrammed napkins by Presents Forever

Smash cake and cupcakes by Cupcake Central

Custom cake plate by Personally Yours by Casey

Carousel cupcake holder by Godinger Serveware