Charlie's 1st Birthday Party (and finally getting it right)

There are things you learn when you get a chance to do them a second (or third or fourth time). For me, sometimes it takes a bit of trial and error but once I figure it out, I'm set. That's how I felt with Charlie's first birthday. When Henry turned one we threw a HUGE party. Our house was bursting at the seams with people, I spent way too much on fancy cupcakes, and felt like I had used all of my energy actually planning the party, rather than enjoying my sweet boy turning one and all the love surrounding us. I told myself after that year we'd never do that again! But then his second birthday came and although I reminded myself to tone it down I went crazy with decorating and still found myself stressing out over details that let's be honest, don't matter whatsoever in the scheme of things. For Henry's third birthday I finally wised up. We had his party at a local gymnastics gym, I made homemade cupcakes, and the favors were small bags stuffed with little snacks and a small car Henry picked out himself. Easy. And so, so enjoyable.

So as Charlie's birthday got closer I promised myself I would keep it small and simple. This time we were only inviting the people that were actively in his life, not all of our friends just because they're our friends and we're having a party. Our guest list was small, and I was excited about that- it felt nice knowing there would just be family and a handful of friends helping to celebrate our Charlie. When I started to plan the decorations I felt very strongly that I didn't need to spend any money to have a great party and as it turns out, I didn't, outside of a few dollars for a big "1" balloon. This was helped by working with Tiny Prints on the invitations, but homemade invites would have been a great option too. Other than that I borrowed a garland from my sister (I'll share sources below the photos), used pictures I already had to make the photo "1", and ripped Charlie's birthday month page from our calendar to serve as the table backdrop. I typed up the "Time Capsule" sheet on our computer and printed it at home (leave your email below and I'm happy to send you the PDF), and used washi tape to hang it along with a large photo on the wall. As far as favors I wanted to avoid giving things that would end up being thrown out, so I bought some $3.50 plants at Trader Joe's and wrapped them in paper and my friend Jana made the "1" balloons that matched the invites. The kids (and adults!) LOVED them, and it was fun giving a favor that would last.

The day was SO great. I felt 100% stress free and really felt like I could enjoy the entire party, both the simple prep and spending time with people, and my focus was on what mattered- the birthday boy! I definitely appreciate a beautiful, elaborate party, and admire parents who can orchestrate them, but moving forward this little family is going to continue to keep it simple. I of course forgot to take photos for most of the party, but I do have a few to share. Thank you for all of the birthday wishes on the previous posts too, we appreciate it so much!

Happy 1st birthday, sweet Charlie!

Sources:

Stendig Calendar page- calendar via Crate and Barrel

Succulents- Trader Joe's

"1" balloons for succulents- from my friend Jana's Etsy shop

Time capsule- leave your email in the comments and I'm happy to send you a PDF

Birthday invitations- c/o Tiny Prints

"1" cake topper- I made this from heavy glitter card stock and glued a toothpick to the back

Tassel garland- borrowed from my sister, she bought it from Studio Mucci

"C" crown used as a birthday crown- Little Blue Olive

Large "1" balloon via Amazon

My dress via Anthropologie

Charlie, Two Months Old

Two months and really, it feels like it's been two days. That's the theme of these monthly posts though- where has the time gone, how is this possible, look how big he suddenly is. The usual. And of course this month is no different, although I do think month two is always a little crazy because it's really the first big jump from newborn to actual baby. Suddenly your tiny infant is so much more alert, awake for much longer during the day, and beginning to turn into a smiling, cooing little person.

Charlie is really the biggest sweetheart. He's just beginning to smile, but even when he isn't I swear I can see the kindness in his eyes. He also has a particular look he gets when Hank, Henry or I are trying to make him smile- it's almost like he's thinking "okay guys, I get it. You guys are nerds." And the way he looks at Henry and just grins is one of my most favorite things, ever. He tracks Henry across the room, and as soon as he hears his voice, perks up. This month Charlie is also starting to figure out what his arms and legs do, and it's fun to watch him begin to make the connection. Not quite there, but it's a start. He's also been starting to be a little more vocal, making little coos and sighs. And the very best noise? Definitely the little one he makes after he sneezes. I'll have to share a video of it sometime soon.

All in all these past two months have flown by. Most days wonderful, some days super tough, but I wouldn't trade even a second of it for the world. Even when he wakes up at 2:30am and I'm exhausted, I'm thankful because I know won't be getting up in the middle of the night to change a diaper forever. This is a season, a short one at that, and I never want to rush it by or wish it away. So really, I love it all. The good, the bad, the tough, the really tough- because I will never, ever be here again with my tiny Charlie babe experiencing him as he is right now. 

Happy 2-months, sweet boy.

Details: Onesie and leggings via The Gap

             Crib sheet c/o IvieBaby

              White chair via Amazon

              Pillow via The Modern Baby

Blabla doll c/o Scoutmob

Charlie, One Month Old

One month. Yes, it's true. I mean really, look how different he already looks from four short weeks ago! We were on a family walk the other night and Hank and I decided that this past month was officially the fastest month of our lives. I seriously feel like I just got home from the hospital with our new little bundle of joy, and here he is already so different and so much bigger. I feel equal parts excited about what's coming up next, and sad that as always, time is going by way too quickly.

This first month has been so wonderful. Totally trying and overwhelming at times too, of course, but more than anything it's been the best adventure in the world. Two kiddos is such a new thing, and although some days are so hard, it's all worth it and at the end of any day, good or bad. Charlie is a very calm, sweet baby and has totally surprised us with his laid back personality. He's a good sleeper, as good of a sleeper as a one month old can be, and graces me with little three and four hour chunks of sleep at a time. And oh, how wonderful those little chunks of sleep are! At around 2.5 weeks he was over being swaddled, and now sleeps in a wearable blanket in the co-sleeper right between his Daddy and me, and is as happy as a clam. Charlie loves to eat, of course, and like Henry did he sure loves to nurse. He's a snuggly little love, and is happiest nestled up under my or Hank's chin. And gosh, there are so many things I always want to remember about this time: the way his cries sound like a baby lion (leading us to nickname him Charlie Lion, of course). Those little feet. And hands. The sounds he makes as he wakes up from his naps. Nursing him to sleep at night, just the two of us. Those big blue eyes, the dark hair that is in that adorable bald-on-top newborn phase. His perfectly pouted lips, and even the face he makes just as he's about to cry. It's heart-melting. I never want to forget that newborn smell that's already disappearing, and if I could save one thing in a safe place forever, it would be way he looks at Henry.

Charlie's something special, for sure. From tiny newborn to a baby that gets a little chubbier everyday, I can't wait to see him grow and grow. Happy 1 month Charlie boy, we love you.

Details: Onesie via The Gap

              Pants c/o Tea

              Crib sheet c/o IvieBaby

              White chair via Amazon

              Pillow via The Modern Baby

Fox doll via Blabla Kids