Cute as a button & so much fun.

I broke the rules and threw the little one a rather large birthday part. “They” say that the first birthday party should be low-key and include only a few people; however, we were finishing most of our house renovations – mainly our kitchen – and we haven’t had anyone over since we moved in {since the house was always torn apart for some DIY project.} Luckily, the little one has been to many, many family functions with Eugene’s family that involved lots of people, so she was comfortable with a crowd.

I went with a “cute as a button” theme. Seemed appropriate since the little one loves pointing at her button light, and I liked the colorful theme. Her invitation said: “Cute as a button & so much fun, the little one {but it said her real name} is turning one!”

I used a great sugar cookie recipe I found on Pinterest to make these button cookies. I used a mason jar to cut the large circle, a baby food jar for the inner circle indent, and a drinking straw for the button holes. I’ll definitely use the cookie recipe again; they held their shape perfectly and tasted good too!

I printed buttons on computer paper and taped them to toothpicks for the funfetti cupcakes…

I made caramel kiss, M&M, and pretzel button candies. Tasted great, but looked a little messy since I picked caramel kisses rather than the normal kiss.

I made the “1” sign using a leftover piece of wood, spray-painted pink. I drew on a “1” and hot glued buttons. Eugene’s grandma Dottie donated tons of buttons to the birthday party cause. {She has an incredible stock of craft/sewing supplies!}

Another Pinterest idea – ice cubes made using a muffin tin with slices of lime…

More printed signs/labels I made using Publisher.

My favorite detail of the party was the garland. I used scrap fabric pieces and baker’s twine to make the top garland. I hot glued buttons to colored paperclips to hold the monthly chalk-board photos, and I used Dollar Tree plates to make the large buttons.

It was neat to see her growth from month one to twelve displayed at her party.

I also sewed her a button-themed dress. Well, it was a dress when I made it a month ago, but the little one must have had a growth spurt because by the time of her party it was too short for a dress! I’ll have to post a separate blog on how I made it some other time.

I realize I’m super biased, but I really think she’s totally cute as a button. :)

She got some quality time with family & friends. Here’s the little one with her Great Grandma Goldie. {So much sweetness in one picture!}

She played with her cousin, Cate, and friends Griff & Brooks…

She thought it was hilarious to hear Eugene’s family sing their usual butchered version of “Happy Birthday!”

And she enjoyed her banana muffin birthday cupcake…

It was a fabulous time, and I’m so thankful for all my family & friends who helped and attended to celebrate the little one’s first year of life. {Wondrous thing overload!}

Taking down the photos was a little emotional for me {in a happy, humbled, overwhelmed with gratitude kind-of way.} I won’t lie, I may have shed a tear remembering how little she was and how much she has grown. God has blessed us incredibly.

Twelve months.

She’s 12 months old. Just like that.

She loves oranges & crackers, is obsessed with her toy car, being outside, waving at anyone and everyone, wrestling with Dada, and pestering her dog. When asked, “What’s the ___ say?” She can actually answer with the appropriate animal sound for dog, monkey, duck, cow, lion, and cat.” It’s so cute to watch her “Moooo!”

She’s a walking pro now. Loves it.

{Thanks to her Aunt Kelsey for the adorable romper & shoes.}

Just like that, she’s a year old.

The little one is one year old.

A year ago today, the little one was just a half hour old. {See the birth story here.} Oh how much she has touched our lives in such a short time.

Eugene & I prayed that she would be a happy & healthy baby, and that God would use her to bring joy to people around her. It’s been incredible how He has answered that prayer to a “t.” She is funny, silly, affectionate, friendly, loving, intelligent, caring, and exudes joy. Everyone she comes in contact with seems to immediately grin & melt at her happy wave or lovable hug.

I understand why moms say birthdays are bittersweet. Sad that time has passed so quickly, happy for the beautiful growing child. I’m mainly just overwhelmed with appreciation for a full year with my blessing. I feel like all is on loan to us from God, and He determines the length of time I get with those I love. I’m tearfully grateful for a whole year of getting to know my incredible daughter. She’s amazing, and this year is a pure blessing.

Thank you, God, for the her birthday. Such an answered prayer. Such an incredible gift.

Happy first birthday to you, sweet Little One. You are a true joy.