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Katelyn’s first birthday is rapidly approaching and the closer it gets the further I fall into a tailspin about it.
It’s emotional for me because my baby is about to be a year old. She’s not really a baby anymore, she’s inching closer and closer to becoming a toddler in months and mentality. Add to the fact that she could possibly be my last baby and well, it’s just emotional enough.
Then you add in my complete tendency towards Type-A activity.
It’s not pretty. Not pretty at all. A little scary even.
I’m stressing so hard over her birthday party. The guest list will likely be under 20 people, all family and close friends. Yet, I want every detail to be perfection. I want the theme to be exactly her but not to theme-y, perfect for a baby girl but not too babyish and perfectly coordinated but still casual.
It doesn’t help that I’m vehemently opposed to “parties in a box”. I’m also not thrilled with “characterizing” a party so I try to steer away from commercially know cartoon characters. No Cars parties here folks, I get enough of that movie thank you very much.
You guys, I have been obsessing over this for DAYS. You can ask my friend Heather, I send her multiple messages a day with “option A or option B” questions. Actually I’ve been sending those questions to everyone. I’m completely frozen and can’t make a single decision by myself. So I finally, FINALLY made some small decisions this week and her party has a definite theme.
You would think I’d be relieved, and I am slightly, but now I have to actually order the decorations, plan the ones I’m going to make myself, design the invitations, and PLAN THE MENU.
Holy cripes. I am so bad with food. So, who wants to help me with food ideas?
Pinterest here I come.
AmazingGreis
said:That theme is amazing! Yay. Also, make her stop growing. How can she be almost ONE already?
If we weren’t so many miles away I’d help plan this shindig with you!!
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jenbshaw Reply:
September 29th, 2011 at 11:17 pm
@AmazingGreis, While I totally wish you were closer you can certainly calm my nerves whenever I get a little crazy about it.
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AmazingGreis Reply:
September 30th, 2011 at 12:18 am
@jenbshaw, DEAL!
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Nanette
said:That first pic is amazing!
Em’s 2nd birthday was owl-themed, if you need any other ideas: http://www.nannersp.com/2010/10/hoot-hoot.html
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jenbshaw Reply:
September 29th, 2011 at 11:16 pm
@Nanette, Oh yes, yours was the inspiration party. I think I’ll skip the owl cake pops (no patience) but I’m totally making the circle garland with some sparkly jewels.
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cindy w
said:I’m totally useless on party planning (my solution: throw some money at the problem and make it go away). But that first picture of Katelyn in the swing made me laugh, so thank you for that.
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jenbshaw Reply:
September 30th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
@cindy w, I should show you the whole line of pictures from her swing time. She was hilarious.
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Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing]
said:I’m hiring you to do all my kids’ parties. DONE DEAL.
As far as food, I just made Nutella croissants last night that were really good and kid-friendly. Just Pillsbury tube croissants and Nutella inside, bake, done.
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jenbshaw Reply:
September 30th, 2011 at 12:22 pm
@Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing], But Angie…I don’t like Nutella.
I KNOW.
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Nellie
said:That all looks amazing and I’m sure your daughter’s 1st Birthday will be absolutely outstanding!
Menu Ideas:
Smoked Gouda Spinach Pizza [http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Smoked-Gouda-Spinach-Pizza]
Turkey Tetrazzini Pasta Dish [http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-tetrazzini/detail.aspx]
Meat Sliders [http://allrecipes.com/recipe/slider-style-mini-burgers/detail.aspx]
Baby Blue Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cups (obviously, use pink instead of blue) from: http://www.kevinandamanda.com
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jenbshaw Reply:
September 30th, 2011 at 12:23 pm
@Nellie, Oooh! Thanks for the recipe ideas. Thankfully I don’t have to do the cake or desserts so that helps a lot.
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heather...
said:YOU ARE ASKING PEOPLE BESIDES ME?
fired.
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Jen Reply:
September 30th, 2011 at 11:57 pm
@heather…, Maybe you should catch up on letters HEATHER.
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Mama Kat
said:When I throw a party for my kids we order pizza and throw unopened gifts at them.
They would LOVE you!
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on October 1st, 2011 at 9:29 am