At this time last year...

Here we are, two days away from Girlfriend's FIRST BIRTHDAY, and around our house you can hear a lot of "at this time last year..."  Things like: "I was on the couch with my feet elevated begging the pregnancy gods to take away the swelling," "We were saying over and over 'I can't believe I went PAST my due date!'" "We had the list of things to do when I go into labor with the packed bag underneath."  Coming up on this big day, we are stunned in our disbelief that it has been an entire year since Elliot came into our lives and can't help but relive her arrival.  Which inevitably makes us semi-fondly remember the first few weeks of her life, when we had no idea what we were doing.  We laugh now thinking about how we were terrified of the night.  When the sun started going down we would look at each other, the same wide-eyed fear mirrored in the other's face, not knowing what the night and wee hours would bring from our screaming, inconsolable terrorist.  We also remember how she would throw up literally every time she ate, had at least one diaper blow-out a day, and wouldn't take a nap unless she was cuddled up on Daddy's chest.  I loved that little helpless baby, but I don't think I would trade the silly, curious, funny, and sweet toddler for her smaller, less mobile self.

Well, last year I was putting the finishing touches on Ms. Elliot Noelle, and this year I am putting the finishing touches on her birthday party for tomorrow.  Our house has been a disaster zone getting ready for this thing.  I think it was a combination of my obsession with getting the best deal possible and the fact that I couldn't find exactly what I was looking for which lead me to make a lot of the decorations myself.  The theme is "Pink Lemonade" and for the last few weeks it has appeared that pink exploded in our home.  Believe it or not, I happened to snap a few pics.  I ended up putting far more work into it than I ever imagined.  I still have some to take care of today.  I decided to make the cake...not sure if that was a good idea yet or not.  Actually, I decided to go with cupcakes for guests and a smash cake for Babes, and the way I am picturing it in my head is super cute, but we will see.

The Invite

The Onesie

 The Baby Modeling the Tutu

(Arguably the biggest savings were made here.  The materials cost me around $4.  The ones I was considering at the local baby clothing store cost $35-$45 each!)

 The Making of the Pennant Banner

The Complete Pennant Banner

The Ruffled Streamers

(I made five of these.  Yes, it did occur to me as I was sitting at my sewing machine sewing together crepe paper that I might be going overboard.)

All I can say is, she better have a good time, haha!  No, I enjoyed preparing for this day.  Can't wait for tomorrow!  Stay tuned for pictures from the big day.