Party Prep

The big 1st birthday bash is this weekend and I have been working away on getting all of the details finished.

The theme of Hailey's party is hot air balloons.

I just kind of fell in love with the idea of hot air balloons (I have even extended it into her room--well, her future room).

Here are a few sneak peaks of my DIY projects.

I made 9 hot air balloons out of paper lanterns and fruit baskets. It took forever to hand tie all of the netting but i live the way they turned out! I plan on hanging them from the tent we will have outside (weather and bug permitting :o/ )

I made this hot air balloon for a cake topper. I just ordered a big clear plastic ornament and mod podged pink tissue paper all over it. Then I painted a paper mâché box and used skewers to attach the two. This picture was taken before I added the final details of the beading and tassels but it matches the other hot air balloons.

And finally, some taffy as a thank you favor for our guests. I felt it really fit the feel of the party. :o)

I am still in disbelief that we are celebrating Hailey's 1st birthday this weekend. But be sure to check back because I will post tons of pics from the big day.

Kindergarten--The Verdict

Wednesday:

Me: So, did you have a good first day?

Hannah: No, it was better than good, it was GREAT!


Thursday:

Me: How was school today?

Hannah: It was better than yesterday!



So, I think it is safe to say that Hannah is really enjoying school! That definitely makes it easier for this momma to have her baby be gone all day.

She gets off the bus everyday with a huge smile on her face and telling the bus driver that she'll see her tomorrow. :o)

Aside from being sad that my first baby is gone all day, I was sort of stressing out about Hannah's lunches. Hannah is a picky eater and I don't want her to get stuck in a lunch rut. But so far she has been eating most everything I pack in her lunch box.

I've done pb&j, a bagel, a muffin, and an English muffin as her main food. Then I've combined that with cheese and grapes, or rice chips and apples, or veggie straws and an apple sauce pouch. Plus, I'll put in a special little treat--either a cookie or some fruit snacks or something.

Granted her lunch is heavy on the breakfast side, but I am still pretty happy with the balance of foods she is getting.

I just wish she would eat some type of lunch meat so I could do sandwiches or skewers or something. :o/ Who knows, after a while she might see the things other kids are eating and want to try new foods.

Hannah is pretty much gone from 7:30-2:45 and I can tell she is tired when she gets home, so she is definitely still adjusting to being at school all day. But at least she is loving it!

And last night was our first night of doing homework so that was exciting.



The first of many evenings helping her at the kitchen table. :o)

Hannah's 1st Day of Kindergarten

Hannah woke up so excited today.

"I can't believe today is kindergarten day!"

That made it slightly easier for me to send her off on the bus...slightly. 

But Hannah just hopped right on that bus and sat in the very first seat...with a huge smile on her face!

I managed to hold in the tears until the bus started driving away. :o(

I know she will have fun and I am excited to hear all about how her first day went!!

Last Day Of Summer (And I'm A Mess)

Well...today is the last day of summer for Hannah.

It's the last day for her to play with her brother and have the freedom that goes along with being at home.

It's the last day for this momma to give snuggles and cuddles on the couch in our pjs.

I am a giant mess of mixed emotions today as tomorrow is the first step in allowing my baby...my first baby...to truly grow up.

I am sad and incredibly nervous to watch her get on that bus tomorrow morning...knowing that once that bus leaves my sight, she is no longer being taken care of by myself. For the majority of the day, someone else will be taking care of my baby and I am having a hard time coming to terms with that.

But I am excited for her to learn and grow and make friends.

Hannah is a very smart little girl, and I know she will do well in school and absolutely love it.

I just don't think I am quite ready to let her go yet...

I really hope her brother adjusts well to having his main playmate and friend being gone all day.

I hope Hannah misses me just as might as I will miss her. We have our matching mommy/daughter bracelets all ready to go so we can wear them tomorrow and think of each other.

I hope tomorrow is easier than I think it is going to be, as I say goodbye to her I the morning.

Time really is a bitch and its not fair!!!

The Remaining Vacation Pics

The kiddos had a blast playing down by the beach. Every morning, when they woke up, it was "can we go to the beach?" They just loved it!

And no trip to Mercer--the Loon Capital, would be complete without getting your picture taken by the giant loon! :o)