Birthday Bidness
Guess what today is? It’s Sherry’s BFF Katie Bower’s son Will’s 1st Birthday! Did you get all that? It’s a lot of apostrophes.
And Clara is doing her best to be a good baby girlfriend, so she sent her main squeeze a couple of items that she loves: tools and clothes. (PS- if your name is Katie Bower and you haven’t had Will open his gifts yet, scroll no further – we don’t want to ruin the surprise).
The first thing that we Clara bought for him was this wooden tool kit from Melissa & Doug (Clara has a few Melissa & Doug puzzles that she loves). We gotta get the babies to follow in their parents’ footsteps early, right? This looks like just the thing for “helping” his mom and dad tackle a few projects.
And since we heard from Will’s mom that they were giving him something special and bike-related (also don’t want to ruin that surprise), we figured it wouldn’t hurt to throw in a t-shirt that he could sport when he gets his big You’re-One b-day gift from the rents (don’t tell Will, but it was on sale at Baby Gap for anyone else in need of one).
So a big congrats to Clara’s beloved baby boyfriend for completing 12 whole months of baby-dom. And an even bigger congrats to Katie & Jeremy for surviving the first year of parenthood (and doing such an awesome job with their little man).
Speaking of hitting the Big O-N-E, our very own Clara is a mere 5 weeks away from her first birthday (craziness – where did the year go?). Which means that we’re starting to slide into party planning mode. We’ve decided not to go crazy-over-the-top (don’t expect to see us on an episode of Outrageous Kid Parties anytime soon) but we can’t wait to host a fairly casual family gathering here at home (it seems like a fitting place for parents who DIYed their own backyard wedding).
We’ve had some people advise us against hosting a kid’s party at home – suggesting instead that we go to a park or other venue where we don’t have to worry about kids running amok and breaking things. But we figured that a one year old and her three under-two-year-old cousins can’t do that much damage with 15 adults around. Those could be famous last words, but after a small family gathering at our house this past weekend we got a boost of confidence that it’ll all work out.
Last weekend was the Monument Avenue 10K here in Richmond and it has become a big old family event for Sherry and me along with my siblings and parents (one year over a dozen of us either ran or walked it) and this year there were ten of us in town to celebrate. So we volunteered our house to be the post-race lunch spot as part of our concerted effort to host more gatherings in this house (now that we’ve got the space for things like that- heck Karl the giant sectional was made for groups like this).
It was amazing how plopping down a pile of toys and books in one spot kept Clara and her 17-month old cousin Emanuel busy, which started to make an at-home birthday party seem a lot less daunting.
We even dragged Clara’s highchair into the living room so she could have lunch with the rest of us (including Blurger, Burger’s blurry alter ego). Clearly she was excited to have been included.
Besides “finalizing” the party location (looking each other in the eye, saying it would be at home, and nerdily shaking hands) and prepping the invites (more on that later) we haven’t done too much else yet. Though we did take a spin through our local Party City to see if anything caught our eye – and of course things did. Our favorite of which were these “Fiesta” plates that were meant for Cinco De Mayo, but we thought would be fun for the beanette too (since the loose “theme” for her party is just the colorful fabric-filled weekly photos that we’ve snapped of her since she was born).
We were already planning to do something with blue, green, and pink (they’ve just always been “her colors”) so these just take it a step further with a playful textile-ish print that resembles a few of the fabrics that we used for her weekly photo project. And it didn’t hurt that they were 50% off.
So that’s all that’s been happening on the party front for now. And as much as I’d like to end this post here, I promised Sherry that I’d include these pics she snapped during the 10K (she’s very proud of having captured me passing by – even though I look terribly awkward in each shot). Here I am putting on the brakes as I reach the spot where she, Clara, and my other family members were cheering me on…
…and here I am going in to give Clara a kiss for good luck (which I’m pretty sure freaked her out – but you probably would be scared too if a man came out of nowhere and shoved his sweaty face into your stroller). For the record, I gave Sherry a kiss too. She was less freaked out. At least I hope she was.
And lastly, here’s me waving goodbye as I ran 2.5 more miles to the finish line.
Even if Clara didn’t really know what was going on, it was nice having her there to watch the race for the first time – after all, this is my 10th consecutive year of running it. And I got my second fastest time ever (47:21) – woo hoo! Now if only I could beat my 66-year-old father. You think I’m kidding. That man is FAST.
Psst- We announced this week’s giveaway winners. Click here to see if you’re one of them.
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So cute!! I love to see the whole family hangin’ out with Karl!! Clara look so cute in that close up…she is rockin’ those baby teeth!! :) Thanks for sharing…
I don’t know if you have explained this before, but were you and Katie friends before the blogs or did you become friends because of the blogs?
We met through blogging. How crazy is that? But we’re not just “blog friends,” we’ve graduated to true talk 5+ hours on the phone a week “real friends” who visit each other every chance we get. It’s our turn to go see her and we can’t wait to meet her new house – and of course Clara and Will can’t wait to be reunited!
xo,
s
Have they been to your new house? I only remember them coming to your old house, in fact it was the weekend after your Nate show, wasn’t it?
Nope, they’ve never been in our new house and we’ve never been in theirs! Ahhhh so exciting.
xo,
s
That picture where you have lots of people (friends and relatives) in your living room is my MOST FAVORITE picture of your house(s) taken ever since you started the blog! It feels so warm and comfy and that’s why we’re decorating in the end – for us and others to feel nice and comfy.
So true! I found that photo very captivating as well… like that is what it’s all about!
I second that. You always talk about having friends and family over but we never see it. I like more posts like this.
I agree. While I absolutely love all the creative DIY posts, it’s really great to see the house in action. We just moved on Monday and we had a small shindig on Tuesday night. Although it was a bit hectic to move and have friends over the next day, it helped us to better envision what was working with the set-up, what wasn’t, and what sorts of things we want to buy for the living/dining areas. I totally get how Karl is perfect for your family gatherings!
I guess dear friends and dear relatives are the best decor accessories one can bring to his/her own place to add warmth :)
That shirt that Clara gave Will is too cute!
Home birthday parties are the best. Yes, I know you have more clean up, etc. but no “venue” is as special as home. We have always had both the kids birthdays at home, if circumstances permitted. One year, we were prepping the house for going on the market so my son had his party at one of those giant Bounce-U places. He and his friends loved it, but it had such a different feel than a homespun DIY party. :(
This year (in a few weeks) my daughter is turning 5, and our house is still in such a state of renovation. It would dangerous to have kids around it. So we’re having the party at a nearby park, but I’m putting as many homespun touches on it that I can!
p.s. My kids had that same Melissa & Doug toolbox, and loved the heck out of it! Great present.
I can’t get over the picture of Clara by herself…she is a mini Sherry! What a cutie!
Will has the best birth date ever — shared with my husband, his sister (who were born several years apart at the same hour, same minute(!), same length and same weight (to the ounce!), and her daughter/our niece, too! Happy b-day, one and all!
That’s craaaazy about your hubby and sister. Wow!
xo,
s
My wedding photographer shares her birthday with her husband and her daughter. All 3 of them! how crazy is that! They were all over the local newspaper.
Wow- that’s so funny. I love things like that.
xo,
s
I wouldn’t worry at all about the home birthday party. My family has them all the time and I also had a home party when my daughter turned one last year. The only thing I feel that makes a difference are the way the children behave. Honestly if you know you have some pretty bad behaved kids then yes you will have a problem.
Also a one year old party is always mostly adults and you have to focus on them just as much as the kids. So I always feel more comfy at a home instead of a Chuckie Cheese.
Way to go John!! Woot!!!
That first pic of Clara is adorable (well, all of them are). :)
John even runs with a hat on? I like this cat.
Haha, I made him wear that so we wouldn’t miss him! After years of cheering we have learned that if someone says “I’ll be wearing a black shirt and navy shorts” you need to add something else to set them apart. And John’s orange hat fits the bill. Haha.
xo,
s
I find it very funny (and cool!) that you guys and the Bowers are leading parallel lives: blog -> baby -> new house, all around the same time!! Glad you guys are “real friends” now! Seems like a friendship that was meant to be ;) haha
For a “something to do” activity for the little kidlets at my daughters’ first birthday parties, I bought acrylic paints in the party colors and the kids painted on terracotta flowerpots that I had prepped by painting white. They also got a little sack of potting soil and a packet of bean seeds on their way out (because bean seeds always grow).
Aww Happy Birthday to Will! What great gifts Clara got him!! Cool plates!! They def. are festive!
Such a… different… picture of John “putting on the breaks” his body looks “wiggly” or something! I had a lot of friends that ran the race but not me! Whew I get pooped just saying 10k
Haha it was so funny. He was running full speed, saw us, and screetched to a stop. Hence his earbud cord flying forward in the shot.
xo,
s
haha i didn’t even notice that!! so fun! =)
Lol! That is such an adorable photo of Clara thinkin’ about her main squeeze. ;)
And that last photo of her really shows how much she looks like the two of you!!
I can’t believe that Clara is almost one. Time really does fly.
Your dad sounds like my Dad-in-law. My crazy husband and I decided to run a marathon for our honeymoon and his dad joined us…with no training. And though he stayed with us the whole time he chatted up a storm and even ran backwards several times to talk to us face to face. All the time he was doing this, we were dying after training for 6 months.
Haha, that’s hilarious.
xo,
s
how cute!!! And that is so awesome that you have made a great relationship with another blogger!
I totally say have the party at home. That’s what it’s all about, it builds memories, and makes a house a home. I have 4 kids, 2 grown and 2 on their way, and for all of the years of parties with friends and family here, I wouldn’t trade a minute of it! Did things get messed up, sometimes broken? Yeh, it happens. And as I said, I wouldn’t trade a minute of it!
Family and friends are what life is all about. A first birthday party is a wonderful milestone that should be celebrated at home. I am sure it will be fabulous.
I have read your blog since the begining and what I really love and admire about you both is that you are so geniune. You are decorating within your budget and you decorate to your taste and not to be “in”. You are unique and that is really what makes your blog special and accessable to so many people.
This is a link for dying/painting furniture. Thought you might find it interesting.
http://www.pburch.net/dyeing/FAQ/furniture_painting.shtml
Thanks for the link! So interesting.
xo,
s
Hey is clara walking yet?
Nope, still crawling around and pulling up like crazy. We don’t think she’ll walk for another month or two (she’s not even 11 months old yet) but you never know!
xo,
s
Pleasssse have a pinata at clara’s birthday party!!! :)
Love them lol
That’s the plan! They’re a tradition in our family!
xo,
s
Birthday traditions are so much fun! When I was little, all my birthdays were celebrated at home, and for a while, every year my parents would buy me a watermelon (my favorite at the time) that weighed as many kilos as my age. That was my favorite tradition!
Of course, pinatas sound uber awesome, too. :)
We had our daughter, Anniston’s, first birthday party at our house. It was last August and it worked out just fine. We threw a few slip-n-slides out in the front yard, added a candy bar, and the kids went to town! A good time was had by all! :)
Just wanted to thank you for the milk that splurted (that’s a technical term) out of my nose when I saw the picture of Blurger. Not sure why I found it so funny but I did and now know not to multitask at my desk and have breakfast whilst I read your blog.
Can’t wait to hear about the party plans!
Looking great! What about finding a cool crate/bin/basket that fits the dimensions of the storage space so that it can be easily lifted out if you need to reach the outlets etc? Is there a concern that fabric could rip/soil/burn?
We’re thinking about doing both. The fabric will be an extra catch-all around the perimeter (we’re not worried about it burning since lots of other things are covered in fabric like the sofa and lamp shades, etc – and we’re not worried about it soiling or ripping since it’ll be hidden from view. But we do have two baskets that fit perfectly into the storage area, so they might add extra organization within the fabric lined storage zone.
xo,
s
Ahh I love your house (the old one too) and I love reading your blog everyday. I get really excited for you haha :)
And Clara is sooo cute! Aw she’s gonna be a heartbreaker!
But just wanted to say keep up the good work, you inspire me so much,
Love all the way from England :)
Thanks for talking about Bower Power and referencing these important events…it makes the blog stalking, er…following easier. But seriously, hooray for 1st birthdays! My friend is coming over with her 6-weeks-from-one-year-old today so we’re prepping for party-mode as well.
Also- congrats on the 10K. I do not run. Or walk, really. But it’s awesome and my college roommate said she met you(Sherry) at the race- so double awesome!
Also- amazing that your dad is super fast. That’s so super lucky and means that he’s the awesome grandfather who can keep up with the little ones!
Happy Friday!
p.s. please don’t think I’m a total tool, but I blogged about how I was totally lame when I met you at Home Goods last weekend. If you’re bored (do you guys do bored?) you can get a laugh at how ridiculous I was. All over again. :)
Haha, that’s so funny because I was so embarrassed to meet you because I’m vain and I had just started getting sick that day and my nose was all red and I just looked awful. Haha. Off to read about it now.
xo,
s
Clara and Will are the cutest baby couple ever! Can’t wait to see what you plan for her Birthday!
We just celebrated my twin boys’ second birthday and also did a fiesta theme. (pinata, a few sombreros for decoration, etc) I set up a taco bar with all of the fixings and had a big pot of chili. The kids and adults loved it. And I loved that even though it was work prepping all of the food – once I put it out it was very easy to maintain during the party.
At home birthday parties are fantastic – we’ve had all 3 of my daughters at home and I wouldn’t do it any other way. Of course, that may change as she gets older.
That post was hilarious. The “man coming out of nowhere” and freaking Clara out was my favorite part. Thanks for helping me start my morning off with a smile!
the fibers of that rug are so thick! everytime i see a picture of it, it seems like a microscopic, upclose view.
DO NOT let anyone scare you about at home parties! We love ‘em! The more the merrier…and the mess, well, so what! you only live once and you only have one first birthday. You should be surrounded my the people and the place you love…your family, friends & home!
Congrats John, on an awesome time!
I can’t tell who Clara looks like the most in the close up picture of her….she looks so much like her mama, but I also see John’s Dad just as equally!
She is adorable and her two little toofers are so cute!
This Clara/Will romance is too cute!
Also, I can’t wait to hear about the invite prepping! (I’m in the middle of designing our wedding invitations. It’s fun to see how other people create their own- regardless of the event!)
We totally went over-the-top with our son’s super hero themed party! My mom and I crafted super hero capes for 15 kids! It was great, but I am definitely leaning toward a smaller occasion for b-day number two.
Can’t wait to see the picks of the party and planning!
http://www.wom-mom.com
Love seeing the birthday prep for Clara and Melissa and Doug toys are what I always buy my neices. Good choices for baby Bower. I love both of your blogs!
I am DYING at John’s 10k time–I will be *thrilled* if that’s my time in our 5k tomorrow, LOL!
Also, I think birthday parties at home are actually THE WAY to go. I think kids have far fewer melt-downs in familiar environments.
Aw good luck tomorrow Meredith! You’ll do awesome!
xo,
s
I have to say…having parties at home is FANTASTIC!! My son is 3 and we had his 1st bday at a park and his 2nd at a play gym. We had just renovated a ton of stuff at our house and finally loved it for the first time in a while, so we thought, why not?! We had 10 3yr olds and at least 20 adults (we have a 1200 sf house) and there was plenty of room. It was indoor/outdoor, so relaxed and everybody had a great time!
Like you, I was warned by everybody, but ended up much preferring to do it that way, and we will do my daughter’s first birthday party in June here as well!
Good luck and can’t wait to keep up with all the party details! It is such a special and fun time!
Ps- Clara looks ADORABLE in that close-up pic of her in her high chair with that huge grin!! I think she looks just like Sherry!
yay, baby Will is 1!
Congrats on finishing the race, John! You should get one of those fancy metals for this being the 10th year you’ve run the race. For the Baltimore Marathon this past year, people who had run the race 10 consecutive years, got a special number.
The bummer is that the race has only been around 11 years, so he just missed running it every year that it has been around by one little year.
xo,
s
You’ll have great fun in about 15 years showing boyfriends that “goofy toofy” picture — She’s darling!
And, since I totally missed whatever you may have posted about your wonderful green living room rug, what is that thing made of? Just noticed in the first Clara picture that it is NOT your ordinary underfoot rug. It is waaaay cool!
It’s 100% wool! Just super shaggy and thick. Love it! We got it from Overstock about a month ago and it’s just as soft and fun and it looks.
xo,
s
wow, Clara looks so much like you Sherry!
I read your blog…daily. While scrolling through the photos of the family get together I noticed something about John…maybe it’s strange but, his toes are looonnnngg! Mine too! I had already decided I was the only person in the entire world with super long toes and bamm! I see John’s feet in the photo and relief…I am not alone in the long toe society! Lol…no offense John, I love my long toes! I just thought I would do a picking on you!(besides they have to help with stability while running)
And great post as usual. I love taking a peak into your home and seeing how normal you guys really are! Much love!
No offense taken, Misty. I know I’ve got weird monkey toes. I’ve even got a crazy space between my first two toes that accentuates the monkey-ness (since it allows me to easily pick up items with my feet). And it’s looking like Clara is getting her dad’s feet. Poor girl…
-John
I also have long toes! Came in handy when I was pregnant. I was super big (little girl was 9lbs and I am 5’3) so I got really good at picking things up with my toes and flipping the object up and catching it in my hand. Long toes are great!
I’m part of the long toes club too!
I continue to amaze (read: disgust) the BF with my picking things up off the floor with my toes tricks!
Ahahaha…I love it! There are more! I always say “I can rely on my toes if I ever lost my fingers!”
Alas, I have weird, long monkey toes, too. On a female, it is really not cool. *le sigh*
John, don’t tell my husband, but it sounds like our feet might be soul mates (or sole mates? Haha, I crack myself up). You sadly described my monkey feet to a t!
Haha- sole mates. Love it. Off to tell John that he has a foot twin.
xo,
s
Okay, clara is just too cute!
Props to John and his family for being amazingly FAST runners! I love to run but I am not fast like that!
We have the same toolbox and love it!
FYI: Party City always has things marked 50% off, it’s their every day price. And yet, Target is almost always cheaper on the same items!
Happy party planning, and thanks for the inspiration each day!
We always do our kids parties at home. It is just the way I was raised and they love it. This past year we did a kid party for our oldest and had it at our house! Thankfully her friends moms stayed to help and it was a huge success!
I was at Goodwill last night and you know how they get returned or unsold items from Target? Well they had that picture frame that you can open and swap pictures out of for $2.99. I left it for others to find since I don’t have a need for it quite yet in my life. But I was also disappointed that the front was plastic and not glass. :(
Wow, didn’t know that about Goodwill. Thanks for the info!
-John
I wish I had known that about Goodwill! I love that frame and plan on using it in my classroom for drawings from my kids…even better for that if it’s plastic (not glass). They frown upon broken glass in classrooms. :)
“Blurger,” I love that!
Congrats on the race! You are fast! Our family gets together for the 10K too- it’s such a fun time! The best part (and thing we all get an absolute kick out of) is my father-in-law who brings a portable, mini stair stepper and warms up in the parking garage beforehand. It’s hilarious!
So next year if you see a white-haired man stair-stepping in a parking deck, you’ll know who he is! :)
Can’t wait to see more of Clara’s party plans!
Too cute! Hey, I am wondering where you bought the fabric magnetic letters for Clara. I too want to buy a set for my little girl, but couldn’t find the post about them. Thanks!
Here’s that post for ya (it was over on BabyCenter): http://blogs.babycenter.com/life_and_home/not-your-mothers-magnetic-letters/
Hope it helps!
xo,
s