Finally the Birthday Party Post....

Call me crazy, but I've been planning Hadley's first birthday since before she was born. I know, I know, it's insane, and probably a little ridiculous. But, aren't first birthdays for the parents anyway? It's not like the baby will remember, so Jeremy & I did this for us. I remember the pure J-O-Y that I felt when the ultrasound tech told me that we were having a girl. I even asked her, "Are you SURE??!" I had convinced myself that we were having a boy because secretly I didn't want to be disappointed if it wasn't a girl. My entire life I have always wanted a baby girl. A little girl who I could dress up...who I could play dolls & tea party with...who I could put bows & lace on...and God gave me this desire of my heart! :)

A long time ago a found this blog, and I just loved the way she did the party for her little girl. I know that our parties are totally different, but this is what got me thinking to begin with.




This is the wreath that was on the hospital door. A very sweet friend painted the monogram for me as a shower gift.



This sweet lady custom made Hadley's invitations for me. They were just what I wanted!!!





DiAnna Paulk took all of the pictures on this blog post. This was a picture of some of Hadley's presents that she took before our guests arrived.





The table turned out exactly as I had imagined...simple & elegant. :) We had lemonade, ice water, and Cake Design Cake! It was yummy!!






We were able to get some family shots before the party started. This was one of my favorites. :)







Grandmommy holding Hadley...I love this little face!








This is Aunt Julie. I simply ADORE this picture!! Aunt Julie & Uncle Phil came all the way from Dallas for Hadley's party. I don't think they'll ever know how much it meant to me & Jeremy that they came. (remember, that Aunt Julie is the one that gave Hadley her favorite bunny)






Some very dear friends arriving...Ansley, Sarah, Will, and Jack.








Some of our guests.









I really thought Hadley would devour her cake, but she was very petite & dainty about the whole thing. :)

Ok, well, she did get a little messy! :) It WAS good cake!!

I think this is one of the few shots I have of Chrystal & her sweet baby Sydney Anne!

Hadley had so much fun with her bows!!

Here she is trying to hand her present to someone. She loves to give people things. It's kind of her new thing. :)

Hadley's birthday was totally perfect. It was a family party with a few very close friends. We woke up that morning & got ready to go to my mom's house. Jeremy went to pick the cake up from the bakery, and Hadley & I headed on over. We played for a while and had lunch. I was so happy because Hadley decided she would take a nice long nap. Normally Hadley is not a good napper, so I was worried that she would be exhausted & fussy for her big day! Hadley woke up around 1:00...just in time for Mrs. DiAnna to arrive & start the photos!

Mrs. DiAnna did a fabulous job of taking lots of detail pictures! We decided to book her for the day because I didn't want to miss anything! I didn't want to miss something by taking pictures, and I didn't want to miss the pictures by living in the moment. Most of you know that my videographer DID NOT show up for my wedding. He said he simply forgot. Every time I think about this I get a sick feeling in my stomach. We will never get those moments back. SO...this time I decided to put our special day in the hands of someone I really trust.

After guests arrived, the kids played for a while, and then it was time to sing & eat cake! Hadley loved having everyone sing to her! It brought a big smile to my face to see her so happy! When we put her in her high chair with her cake, it was like she didn't know what to do with it. Finally she started eating some of it, but she didn't go wild like she had done with her cupcake the night before.

We cleaned up the little bit of icing that there was, and it was time for presents! Hadley was spoiled by all of her friends and family.

From friends & family she got tons of adorable clothes (including some custom made pieces), a play table (in the picture above), lots of precious books, a Madame Alexander birthday doll, a gorgeous silver cup (engraved with her monogram), a bible verse CD & DVD (this thing is really great, and I've learned so much from it too) and sweet stuffed animals.

From Mommy & Daddy:

Jeremy and I decided we would start the tradition of giving Hadley pieces of silver so when she gets married one day she'll have an entire set. Since I'm obsessed with clothes she also got a smocked green watermelon dress and an adorable smocked Cinderella carriage top & pants set. And, she got a giant hot pink ball (which is her favorite thing ever), and a big box of building blocks.

I know this post was probably a little boring. I wish I had written everything down while it was a little fresher in my mind, but I really wanted everything down "on paper" so I would remember things one day.

Happy Birthday my Sweet Baby Girl! I still cannot believe you're One!!