One year old and wiser too...

Here's my cute birthday girl! Friday, May 2nd was Ava's 1st birthday! We had her party that night and it was so much fun! Things have been hectic lately so this party got put together pretty quickly. In an effort to be an equal opportunity mom though(I went all out for Ella's 1st birthday), I tried to make it a special one for her. I know I know, it's not like she'll remember, right? I disagree though. She won't remember but she will have a lifetime of looking back at pictures. So take it from the 4th child, the day will come that she will know! And I want her to look back and know that her 1st birthday was a special one. Plus, mom loves to throw a party!!! Everything was light pink and bright pink with touches of white, with a teddy bear theme because she is our little snuggly bear! I have to add a special thank you to my friend Jennifer who made Ava's birthday dress and bow. I thought it was just perfect! And so did our guests! You're awesome Jennifer!

This was Ava's cake. Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of the cake for the guests. It was a sheet cake with white frosting, a light pink border and pink polka dots and it said "Happy Birthday Ava!" Then I made another one of these little bears to go on the big cake for all the guests.

I made these little candies to add a little touch to the teddy bear theme.

I've made suckers for all kinds of parties, and did them this time as party favors...but I stole this idea of how to display them from my friend Amy. She is amazingly talented and crafty. I made two of them and used them as centerpieces. Thanks for the great idea Amy!

Opening presents! The wrapping is always more fun than the present, don't you agree!?

I was a little bummed that I didn't get a better picture of her birthday hat...but it's still cute!

Getting ready for cake! Ava definitely had her cake and ate it too! She wasn't even a little bit shy about digging in and was pretty oblivious to all those around her laughing and taking pictures!

Hmmm, what's this?!

Let's use both hands!

Yeah!



"Eat it like you mean it!" is what Ava's boy cousins kept telling her. I think this picture depicts that well!



Wow!

Ava was so happy and definitely sugared up after such a special treat! I wish I could know what she was thinking. I was surprised how much she actually ate and how little of a mess she actually made (which you may not be able to tell from this picture!) Very little cake fell down in her seat or on the ground, none in her hair. She really did pretty good at getting it in her mouth!

I can't believe my baby is one! That past year has gone way too fast. We sure do love our Ava Joy though and are so grateful to have her in our family. She has brought us so much happiness and joy and truly does make our lives brighter every day. Happy birthday baby girl!! We love you SOOO much!