Ella's 1st Birthday

I know this post is a little behind but things have been crazy busy since Ella's birthday... Here's the recap!

We well mostly it was me telling Sean hey this is what were doing decided that Ella's birthday party would be themed The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Thank God someone invented Pinterest where I could discover all kinds of DIY decorations, food and party favors. I didn't get any good pictures of the food, actually I didn't take any pictures of the entire day because I was too busy running around like a crazy woman :) I think everything went well. We had her party at Sean's parents house since its more centrally located for everyone, plus they have a lot more space than we do :). We decided that we would only do one party so we went ahead and invited basically everyone who knows Ella.

 Let me just say that we were overwhelmed by the people who came out to celebrate her big day with us! We are truly blessed to be a part of a small group who love on us like family! It made me all teary eyed when they showed up for her party. I feel very comfortable and secure knowing that she has so many people surrounding her that will love and protect her in the same ways that Sean and I would.

I made her outfit for her party. I wish I got a better picture of it ( If anyone from the party has good pictures please send them to me ). For her shirt I bought some squares of fabric and cut them into circles. I then used iron-on adhesive to attach them to her shirt to form a caterpillar. I also made her a very colorful tutu that she wore the whole day! I figured she would destroy it in an hour or so but she really ended up loving it! I will post some pics I got and you can kinda see her outfit.

Ella got SOOOO many awesome new toys. She's been in heaven ever since! She also got some adorable new outfits! I have been having fun washing them and reorganizing her closet for all her new spring outfits.

I have to mention one of the most amazing things that happened at her party. I have the most amazing friends. I know everyone says that but for me its really true! I get together with some awesome ladies every tuesday night and some of us do Zumba together every thursday. God has really blessed me this year by bringing these women into my life and helping me form such great bonds with them. They encourage me and support me and love on me! I never had sisters growing up but now I have more than I can count on one hand and its truly changed my life! So why are they the most amazing friends? Because at Ella's party I opened a card that was addressed to me and inside of it was a picture of a brand new kitchen aid mixer. I had mentioned to one of these ladies a few weeks ago that it was something I wanted but would probably never end up buying for myself and she took it upon herself to get our ladies group together and they all chipped in and bought me one! Seriously, I cried when I opened that card! Of course they are now demanding that I make them lots of tasty noms from my new mixer, but I say thats not a bad price to pay :).

Overall I think Ella's birthday went great! I don't think I will be doing that big of a party every year but I wanted to make her first birthday special!

Enjoy some pics from her big day.... I apologize for the bad quality... my husband is not the greatest photographer... we love him anyway!

Note to self: do not plan a birthday party at 1... kids are always sleepy then! 

 You can kinda see her outfit in this one

 This is her Caterpillar cake

 This is Ella's present from us- a play kitchen... Sean still has some finishing touches to add!

Here's my present from Ella's birthday! Ain't she a beaut!

Ella turns 1!

At 12:20 a year ago today I was taking a long hot bath. My doctor had given us the go ahead to do the induction at 6 a.m. that morning and Sean and I ended up staying up the whole night before. We were much too excited to sleep! I remember checking into the hospital at 5:30 a.m. and as soon as we got in our room I hear this blood curdling scream from across the hall! I looked over at Sean and said " I'm not sure I can do this." Sean said " That lady is a wiener, I know you can do this babe!". As moving as his pep-talk was, I was still a ball of nerves. I got into my gown, used the restroom and settled into the bed. As they strapped monitors on my belly, put in my IV, asked all sorts of questions about my pregnancy and explained what was about to happen, I found myself in a fog. Was this really happening. Were we really about to meet this little baby whose head had laid on my sciatic nerve for what seemed like an eternity. Were we ready for all of this?

They put her in my arms at 5:22 p.m. and none of those things mattered anymore. Whether we were ready or not she was here and she needed us!

Ella has been an angel baby so far! She eats well, sleeps well, is rarely sick, has hit all of her milestones a bit early... seriously I have questioned at times if we should have another one because I know its going to be a little demon child compared to her :)

A year ago today I would not have been able to predict that I would have turned into this stay at home, half way granola type mom who makes her own laundry detergent and lets her baby sleep in her bed. I think the best thing having Ella has taught me is that I am completely not in control! God has taken care of and provided for us more this year than I give him credit for! Without His compassion and patience for me I'm quite sure things would be a lot different.

Any who...

Here's to my little baby toddler! Happy Birthday My Sweet Ella!!! I fall more in love with you each day!