Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Happy Birthday, Monkey!

I got accused of being a tease on my previous short post. This one may be overload. This month, my baby boy turned ONE so bear with me and all of my pics. I can't believe it. That's what we parents always say as our kids grow. It's true, though. I can't believe it has been a year. The infant stage of life is entirely too short for me. I wish the baby stage lasted 2 or 3 years. 

Sock Monkey theme, obviously. I went "shopping" at my parents' house for antiques to use, like this old potato crate, books, and lantern. 

painted paper mache letter: Hobby Lobby 
organic cotton stuffed monkey: 
Heidi's shop at Etsy

birthday printables: Cupcake Express at Etsy
 decoupaged paper mache 1: Hobby Lobby
old wooden Coca-Cola box: my parents

 
mixed nuts, olives, crackers, carrots, hummus, fruit, pasta, Smiley Face fries, tater tots, soy nuggets, Gardein strips, chips, salsa, PB & J sandwiches, banana chips, and banana mini-muffins

I Love Monkey by Suzanne Kaufmann 
is a cute book about being yourself.

Dr. Oetker Organics brand
cake and frosting mixes

t-shirt: this Etsy shop
He really didn't know what to think about having a cupcake. Upon examining it, he thought it was weird and seemed to wonder if he was really supposed to eat it. He figured it out, though, and wanted to share with everyone. He didn't make a huge typical 1st birthday mess as it was just a little cupcake...

however, his little pal didn't seem to have any trouble.

Every monkey party needs to end with banana splits, of course.

We had Rice Dream, Almond Dream, So Delicious soy and So Delicious coconut milk ice cream (added with bananas, chocolate syrup, strawberry sauce, crushed pineapple, nut topping, sprinkles, cherries, and Soyatoo) to choose from. One non-vegan family preferred the Almond Dream, and I think one family preferred the coconut.

He did also enjoy a few bites of ice cream.

lots of sweet help opening presents


I love you, my ONE-derful little man who has brought so much joy to my life. Every day with you is fun. (Slower and more difficult, etc., but I smile and laugh so much every single day because of you.) I love that you love it when we squeeze you into a group hug. I love how you've recently been hugging your brothers and sister around the neck tightly when we tell you to give them a hug. I love how fast you army crawl toward Daddy as soon as you see he's home. I don't like how you make a face and spit out pieces of steamed veggies, but we'll work on it! I secretly love how you can be screaming inconsolably with someone else, then the moment I enter the room and pick you up, there's silence - and you sometimes even giggle through your tears because you're so happy. I love your comb-over, and I promise I'll figure out a way to style it soon. I pray for peace and goodness and all wonderful things for you. Happy birthday!



*Thank you to my photographer friend/party guest Sarah who let me use her camera at the party and took a lot of the pics for me!

26 comments:

  1. Awwww happy birthday! I've been thinking about you. Hope all is well.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! Always thinking about you, too!

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  2. Aww happy birthday to your handsome little guy!! I love every single picture, your friend is very talented! You throw an amazing party, the theme is adorable and carried out to perfection. Love the banana treats and everything looks delicious! Too adorable!!

    Haha wanna plan my 30th for me? ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Thank you! I do like planning parties! :)

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  3. What an awesome birthday party. I'm sure he'll remember it forever.

    Seriously, I really am impressed, topless birthday cake eating is a great idea. If only we all looked so cute without our tops on.

    Should we expect to see you again on his 2nd birthday party?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha. My kids' birthday parties are also for me, too. I am the one who went through 4 horrifying surgeries. It's only fair I get to celebrate!

      I'm hoping to make an appearance way before his 1 1/2 mark.

      Thanks!

      Delete
  4. Wow! This party looks absolutely amazing! I love the classic "smeary chocolate face" shot! Too cute!

    I remember when you had him last year, and I can't believe how quickly time flies.

    Etsy would be the best place to find cute gifts and decor!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I get so smitten in Etsy. I asked for an Etsy gift card from my parents for Christmas, which they obliged!

      Thank you!

      Delete
  5. Your posts (when you choose to write them)are always so much fun, as we get a glimpse into your very warm and creative family life. The party looks like a maybe you should be writing a party book. (In your spare time, right?) Happy Birthday to the little man — how did the year go by so fast?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I write posts in my head all of the time, if that counts. I have a lot to say and show, but my life feels like one of those dreams where you are trying so hard to move but feel like you are going in slow motion. Things are really good - just can't get it all done!

      Thank you!

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  6. Incredible job, and great photos. I don't know how you do it. Happy Birthday to your littlest one. Now how to top that for the next year, hmm? TWO banana splits??

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    Replies
    1. Well, the one thing better than one banana split is two, so...thanks!

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  7. everything looks so cute! I love sock monkeys. I made one once.

    what a cute baby too. :-) happy birthday to the little guy.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! Hey - I've been having trouble with that "link" you sent me. I'm so confused. It always worked before. Let me know if you have any ideas??

      Delete
    2. bitt, if you see this, can you email me? i'm so sorry - for some reason, the link i had been using for you isn't working! panic! i'll try it again later, but email me if you see this.

      Delete
  8. omgosh you had a baby! i have been gone a LONG time. CONGRATULATIONS on him turning one!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aaaaahhhh! You HAVE been gone a long time. Too long. I was starting to worry. Don't let it happen again. Thank you!

      Delete
  9. I can't believe he's turned one either! What a cutie pie! I love the ode to him at the end. That will be something you both will treasure.

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  10. Looks like an awesome party and your sweet little boy is so adorable!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for saying that, and thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
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