Ethan's First Birthday- Carnival Party

For Ethan's first birthday party, I wanted to do something special.  I wanted to find a fun theme that would work for his outside party at a nearby park.  I scoured Pinterest and found so many carnival/circus ideas (see my inspiration board here!)  Honestly, I had no idea how much work it all would take.  I've now decided that Pinterest is the devil and although it provided me with TONS of ideas, it also made this party almost impossible to prepare.  Working full time (and having a husband with 2 jobs) and taking care of a child doesn't leave much time for party planning.  I enlisted the help of my family and the night before Ethan's party, we cranked it all out.  (It also didn't help that I ran a 5K and was out of the house from 7-9 am on the morning of his party.)  It was crazy but we did it!  (I already feel sorry for our future children who will never have this much energy or creativity put into any of their parties.)

Without further ado...Ethan's party!

I LOVED how the popcorn cupcakes turned out.  So easy and so cute!

Party favors

Hot dog bar for lunch

Now for the fun part!

Adorable birthday t-shirt from LeeLynn Crafts.

My mom let us repaint our childhood highchair that she now uses for Ethan.  Thanks for the idea Young House Love.

Happy birthday, Ethan!  Thanks for all of the friends and family that helped make Ethan's day special (and for helping me not lose my mind preparing).  Xoxo

Cupcake holders and cuffs, popcorn bags, plates, silverware, table cloths, stickers, lollipops- Oriental Trading Company (they have TONS of carnival decor and item)

Plastic Popcorn Holders (for favors and chips), red bowls, balloon bases, foil tins, ketchup/mustard- The Dollar Store

Hot dog Wrappers and Cracker Jacks- Amazon

***Since I was asked, the dress is from Old Navy.  They only have it in navy blue and a small.  The dress runs big (I'm wearing a small).  I bet you can find it in the clearance area in-store too!

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5K and update on OLW

I'm not sure exactly what week we are at now, but I'm still continuing to try to lose weight.  Last weekend, I completed the Couch to 5K program again and I ran another 5K.

First of all, it was an awesome day for a run.  About 65 degrees and overcast.  My goal was to beat my first (and best) 5K time of 33:30 when I ran the Turkey Trot 3 years ago.  I trained and ran with a friend from work who had never run more than 5 minutes stretches.  We finished the first mile around 9 minutes and I knew we were going much faster than usual (we are usually around an 11 minute mile).  But we kept up pace and ended up finishing around 32:30.  (I also want to add that my Garmin said that we ran 3.4 miles so it was a true 5K, I think we would have finished around 30 minutes.)  Either way, this was a HUGE improvement for me...especially post-baby. 

To date, I have lost 10 pounds and I'm back to my pre-Ethan weight.  Now, I want to lose 10 more pounds to get me back to a healthier weight for my body.  I want to continue running but I know the St. Louis summer heat can be killer.  Thank goodness for the treadmill!  I also want to get back to 30 Day Shred to try to firm up the arms and legs. 

I'm feeling much better in my own skin.  Nothing feels worse than not fitting in your own clothes.  It took me a year, but I'm finally feeling like myself again.

And of course...I'm starting to feel baby fever again.

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1 year

How many kisses can you give in one year?





Honestly...I don't know.  Definitely more than hundreds or thousands.  Ten thousands?  Maybe more.

Thinking back on the past year, it is hard for me to find the right words. 

For me, a "picture speaks a thousand words," so looking back at Ethan's hospital pictures, spoke volumes to me today. 

I stare at that girl.  Waiting to meet her son.  Not knowing what to expect.  Not knowing that in a few minutes, the most important being would be put into her arms.  Someone that would flip her entire world upside down.

I thank God for him every single day.  Every single day, I am thankful to be his mother.  Every single day, I close my eyes and pray for us, as we are both learning and growing in our relationship. 

He is my heaven.  He is my life and love.  I had never actually felt my heart until I met him.  Sometimes, I stare and him and I swear, I can actually feel my heart.  It is hard to explain but it is the most incredible feeling in the world.

Happy first birthday, my sweet Ethan man.  Mommy and Daddy love you so much.  You enrich our lives every day.  Thank you for being patient with us as we learn how to be parents.  We know you won't remember your first year but we will never, ever forget it.  Xoxo.

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Like Mother, Like Son?

Happy Mother's Day to all of the mamas out there.  I'm so excited to spend my first Mother's Day with our families and especially my sweet, little man. {He's growing so fast...sigh...}

 Everyone is always saying that Mike and Ethan are twins.  Even in ultrasounds, we knew that Ethan was going to favor his Daddy.  But today, on Mother's Day (and the day before Ethan's first birthday...EEK!), I can say that I know Ethan looks like his Mommy too!

Check out Ethan and Mike around 1 year old: 

 Of course, that nose is exactly the same.  But that's about it.  Now, see Ethan with Mommy around 1 year old:

Eyes, mouth, hair!  ME, ME, ME!  This was such an excited realization for me and now I can honestly say that Ethan looks a little like his mama.

Happy Mother's Day!

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