Charlotte turns ONE!

We celebrated Charlotte's 1st birthday with a party last Saturday! We had so much fun planning her first birthday and she had such a good time seeing family, playing with friends and eating cake! She was a little unsure at first, but once she tasted that yummy buttercream frosting, she couldn't stop!

I went back and forth on a theme for Charlotte's party, but ultimately decided on a pink and gold glitter theme. Originally, I had starting planning for a Frozen themed birthday for both Charlotte and her cousin, Kate, as they were born 6 days apart. Our joint birthday plans fell through, so about 2 weeks before Charlotte's birthday I began planning! It was so much fun to put together her first birthday and I still cannot believe that she is "ONE"!  My Mom hosted the party at her house since we are still living out of suitcases and waiting to move back into our house in Jacksonville!

Charlotte's 1st Birthday Invitation!

Here are some of my favorite photos from the day! 

Charlotte with her Paw Paw 

1st Year Banner

Homemade Tulle Wreaths with Charlotte's Monogram and "1"
These were a labor of love, but turned out really cute! 

Look at that pouty face!

Banners: Etsy- Lily Kate Parties (local to Orlando)

First Birthday Poster: Etsy- My Lil Sunshine Shop

Birthday Hat and "ONE" Cake Bunting: Etsy- Kutiebowtuties

Invitation: Etsy- PartyInvitesandMore

Rosette Cake and Cupcakes: Publix 

Cupcake Topper Printables: Etsy- Nifty Printables 

Cake Stands: Home Goods 

On Sunday, we took some more pictures with Charlotte! She absolutely loved her cake once again! Daddy is the best photographer and always captures Charlotte at her cutest moments! 

Happy, Happy Birthday to our little Angel!

Preparing for Charlotte's 1st Birthday

Over the past week, I have spent lots of time preparing for Charlotte's 1st birthday. I told myself I wasn't going to "go all out" because we were going to be in transition from Hawaii to Florida, but like usual, I just can't help myself. We are going to have her party on Saturday, but she will officially turn "1" on Sunday. Charlotte and I have had lots of fun crafting and going to Hobby Lobby! There is one right near my mom's house and we have gone almost every day! Oops!

While planning her party, I have also been reminiscing over the past year. This time last year, I was very pregnant and waiting, ever so patiently (NOT), for Charlotte's arrival. After our scare over July 4th weekend with my food poisoning, Charlotte decided to stay put a few more days, but I would torture myself every day wondering if today would be the day. The unknown is enough drive you crazy.

I've spent my quiet time in the evening looking at her first photos, reading her birth story (you can read that here) and trying to re-create those first few days. It makes me happy that I documented so much of my pregnancy and her birth. I would also be lying if I didn't say I missed being pregnant. When I see pictures of myself pregnant, I don't know how I was ever so big! But I miss the feeling and I miss feeling her kick and roll and carrying her with me everywhere I went. Now, she weighs 21 lbs. and it is a chore just to pick her up.

I look back at the past year and can't believe all that has happened - how much she has grown, changed and the little personality she has developed. If I only knew then what I know now! There are just some things that cannot be taught. You have to experience them to truly learn and understand. Being a mom is the hardest job, but one of the most rewarding too. When I look at Charlotte, I still can't believe that she is mine (well, ours :)! ) She has me wrapped around her sticky little fingers, but I wouldn't have it any other way!

This time of our lives is such a special one and I feel the time being swept away quicker than we can even imagine. I'm excited to celebrate Charlotte's first year of life this weekend and especially happy that Kyle will be back with us to take part in the celebrations!

I miss that belly!

Maternity Photos!

My last "bump date"

She's here!

8 days old!