First birthday happenings.

Our little nugget turned one last Wednesday, February 20th at 12:04pm. HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY COOPER!

[caption id="attachment_1090" align="alignleft" width="490"] Happy birthday Coop![/caption]

The week leading up to his birthday I was very reflective and a bit emotional. Where did this past year go? How quickly he has grown and changed. But then, the actual BIRTH-day came, and it was just like any other. It kind of reminded me of my wedding weekend - a hot emotional mess up until the day of the wedding, and then...just a really happy day.

We had his party this past Saturday, and after being up 3 times during the middle of the night cutting a tooth - I was worried Coop might be a crank. He hung in OKAY, but wasn't his normal, jovial, flirt-with-every-gal-in-the-house self.

As I've mentioned on the blog before this was a DIY party (by a non-crafty girl who quit girl scouts because she HATED crafts, mind you) but I was really happy with how it turned out. I went with a turquoise and red color scheme and the hubs made some apps that I found on Pinterest.

Here's a peek into the party:

[caption id="attachment_1079" align="aligncenter" width="490"] The birthday boy's chair and smash cake.
Birthday Hat, Etsy, Little Stitchin Lu[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1081" align="aligncenter" width="490"] Birthday banner.
Cake: Mulberries, Denver
Paper and letters from Hobby Lobby.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1080" align="aligncenter" width="490"] Sips.
Turquoise tray: Target, clearance.
Red straws: Etsy, The Mechanical Koi[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1083" align="aligncenter" width="490"] Food table.
Framed pictures of birth announcement and first birthday party invitation.
Red and Turquoise Chinese Lanterns: Amazon, M.V. Trading Company
Turquoise candlesticks and votives: Hobby Lobby.[/caption]

The appetizers we served were a big hit. For those of you throwing a party and looking for some good apps, here's what we did:

Bourbon Meatballs

Spinach Artichoke Bites

Taco Cupcakes

Brie Apple Pecan Crescent Puffs

I wanted to give fun party favors to the kids but not spend a lot of money. Voila! While at Target I found these little noisemakers on the "Under $1" shelf. From our music class experience I knew the kids would love shaking them and it was a fun little toy to hand out.

[caption id="attachment_1078" align="aligncenter" width="490"] "Thanks for shakin' by" party favors for the kiddos.
Morocco's: Target, $1 each.
Brown tags: Hobby Lobby[/caption]

Jeff and I have lived in Denver for just over two years, and feel so lucky for the new friends we have made and continue to make. More recently, friends "with kids." They really have made making Denver feel like home for this Texan.

[caption id="attachment_1096" align="aligncenter" width="490"] Two of my most favorite people. Welcoming baby boy Henning in May![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1088" align="aligncenter" width="490"] Some of the boys with their boys. And beers.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1087" align="aligncenter" width="490"] Coop and his sweet friend Thomas.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1118" align="aligncenter" width="490"] Coop with "auntie" Kara[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1098" align="aligncenter" width="490"] Franny and Coop![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1101" align="aligncenter" width="490"] Moms and babes![/caption]

Cooper was not sure about the cake at first, however once you get this kid some utensils, all is well with the world!

[caption id="attachment_1112" align="aligncenter" width="490"] Don't feel too sorry for him, he can turn on the tears like a switch. #dramatic[/caption]



[caption id="attachment_1092" align="aligncenter" width="490"] Claps for cake! And daddy.[/caption]

At long last, we got some smiles after the sugar!





[caption id="attachment_1093" align="aligncenter" width="490"] Thomas, Morrison and Cooper.[/caption]

It was such a fun afternoon. We had both of our parents at the party, and Cooper doesn't know it yet, but he is so lucky to have the four of them in his life. What an incredible foundation for Jeff and I to base our own family on. I am daily amazed at the joy that Cooper has brought to our lives this past year. I cannot imagine life without him in it and feel so blessed.

[caption id="attachment_1106" align="aligncenter" width="490"] While tearing open his present he got a quick phone call he had to take...[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1104" align="aligncenter" width="490"] Riding my new toy![/caption]

Cooper you are sweet, independent, funny, charming and busy. You like to act like you are talking on the phone and throw your food on the ground. Thank you for bringing light into this house.

xox

Lauren