garden party.

i have been putting off this post because i wanted it to be absolutely perfect, but i realized that its impossible so i decided to just go for it. 

sweet little naomi turned ONE on august 31st and i didn't know how to handle it. sometimes i still have to remind myself that i am a mom! this past year has had its challenges and adjustments, but more than anything, it has brought me an overwhelming joy and love for this sweet little girl. 

she can brighten my day in an instant and make me laugh til my stomach hurts. 

at one year, i can already see specific characteristics in her. she is content, joyful, adventurous and bold, yet sensitive and aware. she will hold eyes with a stranger and study them from head to toe. then she will give the biggest toothy grin. my absolute favorite is when she is laughing from her belly. she will just keep laughing and cackling. i can hardly stand it. then i start cracking up. we are both laughing and it is the best thing ever.

i love you, naomi raine.

i am so happy to be your mama.

the invite was made from a photo taken by becka edmonson {she is incredible at photography} and then i just simply used card-stock and a toothpick to make a "garden party" sign and give the party details. 

we made flower cake pops and put them in vases and planters as well as flower cupcakes complete with little red ladybugs. 

i printed off pictures of naomi from each month of her first year and then made the photos the center of flowers we cut out. 

we couldn't have a garden party without a caterpillar. mini cupcakes were frosted green to create our little green friend. the pink antennae are my favorite part.

we had a garden party sign out front and paper flowers throughout the room. 

for the favors, i made little sacks out of burlap and filled them with bubbles for the kids. 

the table of goodies.

my "prized" cupcakes that took a little longer than expected, but were well worth it

the real flowers {the orange ones in the vase} were a surprise for naomi from her dad :)

the huge purple flowers were my favorite. i used THIS tutorial to make a purple one a cream one.

the pictures of naomi from each month of her first year.

peter made a slide show that cycled throughout the party

mini flower cupcakes

now let the fun began! every one arrived and it was such a special memorable time. it felt so quaint and i loved being surrounded a community of friends & family. i know these people will be sources of strength, encouragement, joy, and comfort in this wonderful and priceless world of parenthood.

in awe of dad's bubble blowing abilities

holding sweet little carabelle {only a month old}

all of the men stuck together in the back

 cake time!

she wasn't quite sure what to do with the candle.

cake discovery timeline.

presents!!!

she got TOMS!

she had to model them immediately

 cousins!

busy talking on her new phone

we snapped a few family photos at the end.

everyone went home and then it was nap time. 

{no acting here, peter snapped this without us knowing}

it was a fun filled & oh so happy day.