HANNAH'S BIRTHDAY PARTY

Balloons? Check. Juice? Check. Lootbags? Check. GIANT birthday cake in the shape of a cupcake? Check.

All these items and more went to the success of Hannah's first birthday party on Saturday. Thanks to family and friends who came out, near and far (thanks Banks), so early on a Saturday morning to celebrate my baby's special occasion. Normally, I'm not one to make such a big deal about a birthday, but I guess it's different when it's your own child and the first anniversary of her birth. There were high school friends, co-workers, and mommies I met at Baby Goose. It was an amazing celebration and everything went off without a hitch.

I was exhausted from the running around though. There wasn't too much time to set up at Lil Explorers, but Listra was amazing and she made me feel better by being super calm and efficient. We quickly set up the tables in 10 minutes and she had decorated for me that morning. Golden Griddle arrived on time and brought the yummy breakfast we requested - pancakes, bacon, sausage, and eggs. We added some danishes, turnovers, muffins, and fruit to the mix.

Guests began to file in shortly after ten and by eleven, all the guests were accounted for and the party was in full swing. The kids had a great time: climbing and playing in the houses, imagining with puppets, swinging in the huge tree fort, and riding around in the cars. Babies climbed over and around each other and probably more than a few accidents occurred - none too serious! Adults mingled and I tried to chat with everyone there at least for a minute before I had to rush off to do something else.

We ended the event with a slideshow (I almost cried twice) and the cutting of the giant cupcake. Thanks to Nancy's Sweets for such a delicious centrepiece. I was asked by at least eight guests where it came from (clearly, I'm NOT that talented). One friend texted me to say she had already placed an order for her son's first birthday next week and she hadn't even seen my cake yet!

We finished up and packed two cars full of leftover food (thanks friends who took some home, you helped my waistline more than you know) and presents. Off we went to the mall for some relaxing family time and to buy some new clothes for Hannah - after all, she's one now. She'll need a new wardrobe. :) (Ha ha, my close friends know this is sarcastic - Hannah has a wardrobe ready should she have a 10 inch growth spurt!)