first 1st birthday party

While at my parents house, my parents and sister threw together a quick birthday party for Maddie. It was a little early since her birthday was still almost two weeks away... but my family wanted to celebrate this special time with us and we were so happy we were able to pull it together quickly.

The weather was perfect and it was so nice to see everyone. Aunt Jen made her really yummuy (organic!!) cupcakes to dig into. She loved it. And she made out great! She got a beautiful bench painted especially for her (I'll take a pic and post it... its blogworthy) from Cousin Billie, great new clothes, a Raggedy Ann doll and books from Nana and Pop Pops, a cookie monster book and doll, elmo and cookie monster finger puppets and even a new lunchbox! Thank you everyone for your generosity and as always - we were so happy we were able to see you all.

Maddie hanging with Aunt Jen

Camden wasn't too interested in being photographed

Here come the cupcakes!! Woo hoo!

A little help from Daddy

Hmmm...why havent I had cupcakes sooner?

As you can see, she didnt really get too messy. She kept things pretty under control and although she did shove most of the top of the cupcake in her mouth - she didnt even need a bib! (To be honest... I just forgot.) She's such a little lady. This was her first time with a cupcake and I think she enjoyed it.

All cleaned up hanging out with Cousin Taylor

The beautiful sunset from my parents deck that night

The beautiful day ended with a beautiful sunset and this picture doesn't do it justice. I can't believe my baby is turning 1!!!! I'm happy we were able to have an early party with my family at home but it made the reality that Maddie is about to have her first birthday a shocking reality to me!

Maddie is having her second 1st birthday party here at our house with her Atlanta friends tomorrow. We're excited but are really bummed about the wind and rain forcast since our theme is "beach party" complete with beach balls and a baby pool! We'll just make the best of it and hope everyone has fun.

And I MUST announce (because Im so excited) that some of our very best friends here in Atlanta just had TWIN GIRLS! Yay for girls! Girls are the best. They didnt know the sex of the babies until delivery (yes, we think they are crazy too) so it was a very big surprise. Jim and I went to the hospital to visit this morning and have some great pictures of the babies. I'll make sure to post when I get the chance. Congrats Howards! We love you all!