d turns 2

Alright, I know I have been slacking in the blogging department, but dealing with ear infections, eye infections and colds has been keeping this momma extremely busy. As you know, I consider my blog to be a digital diary for my children to look back on. So, I thought I better get caught up and share with you Baby D's 2nd birthday celebrations (it only happened in August... I know!)

We had a two part celebration. One afternoon we had a little pizza party at home with some of Baby D's buddies. Baby D is obsessed with cars, so it was only fitting to have a Cars-themed party. The kids had fun tattooing themselves, munching on pizza and sweets and helping Baby D open his goodies.

I can't believe how much Baby D has changed in appearance since August. He looks a lot more mature now after his haircut but I am missing those long luscious locks he once had.

Thanks again to all of D's buddies for attending and showering him with so much birthday love! Here is a look at part 1 of the celebration.

The sweets. More to come in later post about food and decor choices for D's parties.

Teddy race cars and stop lights.

Lunch time.

I think someone was loving their pizza?!?

These two crack me up - when they get together is it nothing but giggles.

Tattoo station.

Digging their tattoos and stickers.

Check it out!

1st birthday party

This past weekend was full of f's-friends, fun, and food. I love love love a good party, especially a children's birthday party! Who doesn't love balloons, games, party favours, scrumptious food, dancing, and who can forget the famous birthday cake. There is just something special about being surrounded by sugar-induced, bouncing and giggling children. Saturday, we put our party hats on in celebration of our dear friend Baby E's 1st birthday. It was a wonderful party with lots of good laughs - Little Miss L. could not stop talking about it. For the last four days, she keeps asking when Baby E is going to have another party? Happy Birthday Baby E - you are growing up so fast... here is to another fabulous year ahead.

Loved the Hello Kitty theme - cake and cookies were beyond yummy!

Love the milk for the kids - made we want to chug back a glass of the cold stuff.

Party time!

Little Miss L. was trying to sneak out of the party with these awesome balloons.

My two handsome men. Baby D was loving all the attention.

Loved the idea of the guests leaving their hand prints on canvas for Baby E to hang in her room. Great memento.

Time for cake!

Baby E thought it was quite delicious.

The party favours were a hit - the kids loved them.

Baby E's daddy is talented - he was able to make balloon animals for all the kiddies. Little Miss L. wanted to give it a try as well.

Friends for life. Little Miss L. loves her to the moon and back as she says.

Time to pin the bow on Hello Kitty.

Time for presents!

This time of our lives is special. I love getting together with all of our friends and watching our children grow up together. Memories in the making :)

ladybug themed party

Does your little one love love love ladybugs? Are you planning a party sometime soon? Look no further - a ladybug theme for a birthday party is easy and fun to plan. For Little Miss L.'s first birthday, I thought long and hard about what was suitable as a theme for her big day. At the time, she was not really into cartoons or characters on television, but there was one thing I knew captured her attention... whenever my baby would see a ladybug, she would get so excited. One of my favourite nicknames for her is my "lil'bug" so it seemed to be the perfect fit.

Invitations were made with red and black card stock. Red for the main body with black spots scattered about. The information was written in silver pen and then sealed within a black envelope.

Little Miss L. rose to the occasion and wore a little ladybug dress (I received this adorable outfit at my baby shower). To finish off the look, she wore black shoes - she looked so cute!

For decorations, we stuck with red and black, of course. The tables were covered with red table cloths and we added black napkins. For the rest of the decor, we used red and black balloons and paper streamers, all found at our local party supply store.

Next I decided to take a swing at making my very first fondant cake EVER! I must say that it took some time (okay, a lot of time) but now that I know what I am doing, the second time around should be smooth sailing. I made multiple cakes: one main, large cake, a cake for Little Miss L. to smash and several mini ladybug cakes for the little kiddies that would be joining us at the party. The kids loved having their very own cake - I will definitely do individual cakes again... I think they would make great party favors.

The dessert table.

One of the mini cakes I made for each of the kids.

Little Miss L. wasn't to sure what to think of the cake but it didn't take her long to decide she really liked it.

Finger lickin' good!

To close things off, it was gift opening time. Daddy and mommy were sure to wrap all of Little Miss L.'s presents in red wrapping paper with black ribbon. To end the party on a high note, Little Miss L.'s god-mommy knew the perfect gift... it was just so fitting :)

God-mommy got Little Miss L. her very own ladybug to ride around on!

Little Miss L. ready for Carnaval in Portugal.

Our little bug, she loves them so much that she was one for Halloween.

planning a baby shower and need ideas?

Are you hosting a baby shower anytime soon? Are you looking for a theme, location, or invitation ideas? I love love love a good party and I thought I would share my beautiful baby shower with all of you. I can't tell you how grateful I am for the friends and family I have. My mother and mother-in-law hosted a wonderful shower when I was expecting Little Miss L. Every detail was perfect and they knew exactly what I would love.

First they decided on a location. I love when I am able to mingle with all of my guests and can see everyone in one room, so my mother-in-law so kindly held it at her place which has a perfect open area. Hosting a shower at home can help you save a considerable amount of your budget. Just remember if you decide to take this route, you will have to provide plates, cups, napkins, utensils, and may even have to rent tables, chairs, and linens. It is a lot of hard work, but it is totally worth it in the end.

Second job to tackle was the theme of the shower. I love love love summer, and what better way to celebrate my favourite season than to bring the outside in. They went with vibrant colours such as orange, pink, green and also added touches of brown for an earth tone. The decorations had an organic feel as they used fresh flowers that were in season and fruits such as green apples and limes.

Beautiful centerpieces with peonies flowers and green apples.

Vases filled with limes and hydrangeas were placed on tables with candles throughout the home. 

The room looked amazing - I loved the hanging lanterns in the bright orange and pink. It added great texture to the room.

The tables were set beautifully with white lienens, brown overlay, and then a pink runner to finish it off.

Then it was onto the invitations. I loved my invites, they were pink and brown to stick with theme and reminded me of a stamp. They were elegant and simple - just the way I like it.

They placed my invitation in a picture frame to display on the sign-in table providing such a special touch and a keepsake I will cherish forever.

Sign-in table decorated with orange candles, fresh flowers, and limes.

I must say I had the cutest party favors a girl could ask for. A friend of mine who is an excellent baker made individual cookies - they consisted of a baby bottle and a onesie. They were tied with pink curling ribbon and attached was a small thank you note that replicated the baby shower invite.

Cute onesie.

Baby bottle.

Each detail was thought out and I love love love when everything is so organized. It was the perfect way to celebrate my pregnancy and to welcome my little girl into this world.

Baby shower cake- it was delicious.

Every detail was thought out- even down to the vibrant pink punch!

I hope I was able to provide you with some baby shower ideas. Just remember to stick to your budget, plan ahead and have a good time!