Baby's first birthday.

I have a three year old and one year old. 

My baby celebrated his first birthday over the weekend, which makes him one. This was an emotional day for me. Because really, as any mom will tell you, the first birthday is about the kid SURE, but mainly it's about us. The moms and dads. Mainly the moms.

We had a backyard water party to celebrate our main man, and the kids came in their suits and had a blast! 

Summer birthdays rock.

It meant so much to have our family and friends with us to celebrate. People that have supported me through this first year and who have loved Ben all together in one place is pretty special. 

Happy birthday to my toothless, handsome, fearless and happy little boy. Ben, you are such a fun personality and bring a bright, new light into this home.

We love you.

Keep in touch! Follow along on Happy Haven Blog's Facebook page.

February of firsts.

This is a big month.

First, and most importantly, it's Cooper's birth month. As far as I'm concerned this is THE most anticipated birthday he will ever have. For him though, I assume this will likely be turning 16 or 21 which both, ironically, will be the least anticipated for his mom.

[caption id="attachment_946" align="aligncenter" width="675"] Look who's one![/caption]

Figuring out what I wanted to do for his birthday party took me FOREVER. I decided not go with a kid theme because Cooper's not yet into that yellow square sponge looking guy or any other type of animation; really he's just all about his mom and dad which is PERFECT because, lets be honest, it's a party for me and Jeff anyways. Because...we made it! We learned how to raise a human this year, and we continue to learn every day. What a year.

I decided to build the party around a color scheme, red and turquoise. I also decided it was going to be a happy hour with friends and family, and I wanted to do a lot of the decor myself so, this has now turned largely into a DIY party project. Here's a sneak peak of some of my purchases that will hopefully become something fabulous (all under $65 I might add):



Wish me luck.

In other news, this blog also had a birthday...it turned ONE last month! South Pearl Living started as a hobby and was encouraged by my husband. Someone asked me what it was about last weekend and I said a little bit baby a little bit feel good, a lot random. I still don't know what I'm doing half the time, but it has been a fun outlet and I hope you enjoy reading!

In honor of one year, here's a look back at this past year's most read posts (I starred the most read post of the year):

Mondays Miracle

The Road Traveled

Friendships Make Life a Lot More Fun

Perspective ***

Society of Braggarts

Do Good Anyway

Happy week y'all.

Lauren