Birthday Bash

Eliza's first birthday party was this past Saturday. We decided to have it at our house so that Eliza would be in a comfortable environment, but since our house and yard aren't that big it left us busting at the seams with people -- and it was great! We felt that this was quite a momentous occasion for our baby girl and wanted to celebrate with family and friends just how far she (and we as a family) have come in a year. From 1 lb 4 oz, 11 inches, micro-preemie knocking on death's door, to a 15 ½ lb, 26 inch, thriving happy baby that she is now. “How sweet it is!” That's exactly the sentiment we ran with for this party!

Eliza's sweets shop - candy, cupcakes, and snacks, oh my!

I set out some of Eliza's first baby clothes as a reminder of just how far she'd come. We also got a doll made by Wee Bundles to the exact size and weight Eliza was at birth. It's easy to forget just how small she was. She's come a LONG way!

We were fortunate to be able to have a professional photographer present to supplement the pictures we always forget to take! While we won't have the photos for a couple weeks yet, she's posted a preview on her blog and I have to say they look AMAZING! I can't wait to see the full set! Of course plenty of the guests brought cameras too - Eliza got to have her very own paparazzi experience! (If you got some good ones, we'd love to have copies...!)

And to give credit where credit is due:

A great big HUGE thanks to my mom for all her hard work on this party. She really did most of the work and it would have never turned out as well as it did without her!

Husband - way to rock the 1 year video! Thanks for your perseverance through the technology debacle:)

And a shout out to my friend Jean. She created the cute cupcake toppers and water bottle labels just for Eliza's party and also printed, cut-out, and shipped them to me! Thanks Jean!!

And to family who drove and flew up from GA to make the day special -- you guys are great!

"Finally! Party is over and I can get out of those clothes!"