1 Year, 3 Parties

I wasn’t sure how to do April’s birthday party.  Since weather in January isn’t likely to allow an outdoor party (even in Texas), that meant celebrating in our house.  Do a big crazy party in our not-so-big home or a smaller one but not invite everyone I want to?  The answer: multiple small parties!  To view all the pictures go here.

Party No. 1 On April’s birthday we celebrated just as a family.  Not sure if this really counts as a “party”…  Mike was able to get home from work a little early so gifts and a birthday cookie wouldn’t compromise April’s bedtime.  I was expecting this to be the only gift-opening-session since all the grandparents (and even my sister) had sent presents.  Games, books, a doll, cash and clothes – the girl did well.  We sang “Happy Birthday” to her with a candle on a sugar cookie and the child who rarely cries burst into screaming tears.  (We have a video but no pictures of this event – sorry.)  Once she calmed down April wasn’t quite sure what to do with the cookie.  Neither she nor her brother “made Mommy proud” with their 1 year right of passage into refined sugar.

Party No. 2 The Friday following April’s birthday we hosted our neighborhood play group.  I kept things very low-key; some snacky foods, birthday cookies, and no gifts.  Really I just wanted to celebrate her.  It was fun to do this particularly with this bunch.  I met these fun ladies right as the play group was starting when I was 38 weeks pregnant with April.  Our group meets about twice a week (not everyone always makes it of course) and sometimes even more if we’re bored.  Thus, these friends have watched her grow this past year more than any other.  (Emma, in the picture with April, is only 6 days older.)

Party No. 3 Then on Saturday our small group came over to celebrate.  This is the group that supported and prayed for April particularly as she grew in my tummy (and now too of course).  April was one of three babies born into our small group in early 2010, with a fourth joining that summer.  We still have yet to be able to have all the babies together for a picture!!  One of them will be moving away soon and I’m hoping we can get that picture before that happens…  Once again, I kept things very easy.  Snacky foods and cupcakes, and also, no gifts please.  (Not everyone always abides by this of course…)  I didn’t even plan any activities, which I was a little concerned about given that some of the kids are older and might get bored.  It seemed to go fine though.  Lots of playing and hanging out.  These couples are our prayer warriors and solid partners in Christ.

I must confess that by the end I was a little partied out.  Having to keep a clean house is exhausting! =)  But we are very grateful and blessed to have reached this one year milestone with ease and health.  Thank you LORD for our beautiful April.