and the story continues. . . .

We've started a family blog! Check it out at:

http://www.nellyandhernerd.com

Miss J's First Birthday Party!

Miss J's First Birthday Party!!
Miss J's first birthday party arrived with a bang and everyone had so much fun! Hubby and I worked really hard to make this a fun and memorable event not only for the birthday girl but for our friends and family as well. There is nothing like good food and even better company to make a party successful!

I chose a barnyard theme because it was cute and relatively easy to put together. A few details:

Balloon barnyard friends:



Since the party was all bout Miss J, I chose a few of my favorite images of her from the year and used them as decor all around the house.



Because of this our tree was transformed from a regular Christmas tree to a Miss J tree!! (complete with more barnyard friends)



We served beef and chicken fajitas with all the fixins' along with Chick-Fil-A nuggets, fruit and brownies.  The best part was Tita Carmen and Lil's leche flan chiffon cake. DELICIOUS!!





I took the "It's all about Miss J" theme to the extreme by scattering stands with her image on it around the table.



Then went even more over the top by creating "Miss J" toothpicks guest could use to eat the nuggets! There was NO doubt as to who the guest of honor was!



No barnyard birthday party is complete without barnyard birthday hats!



My friend, Ms. Debbie made the AMAZING cake topper!



I painstakingly baked and iced each cupcake the morning of the party.



Before the party started, Tita T, Tita K and Uncle Dan came over to help put the finishing touches together. Lola was in charge of the girls!



"Happy Birthday Miss J!"



Lola brought over a bunch of Elmo balloons (to the delight of the girls) but the singing balloon was the most popular.



Lola and her girls



Silly girl!



Even though Lola was in charge, the girls would not leave us (Tita K, Tita T and me) alone! The solution? Elmo's World of course!



For the party we brought in a small petting zoo and a clown - after the Chuckee Cheese incident I was a bit apprehensive about the clown but the owner assured me the kids wouldn't be scared.  Miss J and Cousin NC were up for getting their hands painted.



But Cousin K was having none of it!



Probably the least scariest clown you'll ever meet!



The petting zoo was filled with a duck, bunnies and the cutest pygmy goat you'll ever meet.

The duck had a crush on Uncle Randy and wouldn't leave him alone. =P



Pop loved the bunnies.



and so did Miss J!



Meet Mr. Pygmy Goat Miss J!



She had alot of fun at the petting zoo with her cousins and friends.



The blog images don't show it (otherwise this would be the longest blog post ever) but the house was packed with kids. I think the kids outnumbered the adults which is never a good thing!



Time to ride the pony!



"Whoa! Don't take off Miss Pony!"



Then it was time for Happy Birthday - Miss J LOVED it when everyone sang to her.



She was all smiles until. . .



Mommy tried to get her to smash the cake.



Normally she loves making a mess but not today! I guess she didn't want to ruin her pretty outfit.



Still upset with Mommy. Sorry Miss J!



Grandpa wanted a picture with all his grandkids on the pony - you can see how well this worked out!



Miss J's first birthday party was a resounding success and we're so thankful to everyone that attended!

After the last guest left, we decided clean-up could wait and vegged on the sofa. What a great day!

Twins?

Hubby was in charge of Miss J this evening as I had to finish some last minute editing. I walked out to find them snoozing on the sofa. How cute is this?



They could be twins!

12 months! 21lb 5 oz

Miss J had her 12 month appointment today and weighed in at 21 pounds and 5 ounces. I for the life of me cannot remember her height stat but I'm sure it's around 30in. WooHoo!!

Along with her stats and checking in with Dr. Z Miss J received 4 shots. Normally I would say she was the consumate happy camper but NOT THIS TIME!! The minute Dr. Z walked in the room she let it be known that she had other places to be!

Before the shots:



After the shots:

Happy Birthday Miss J!

Miss J is a year old today! I'm finding it pretty hard to believe at this time last year I was induced with pitocin and 8 hours later met the little girl who would become the center of our lives. She has brought more joy and laughter to our lives than words can ever express and I cannot wait to see what adventures await us in her 2nd year.



It SNOWED on her birthday!! (we RARELY get snow)



I had visions of taking Miss J to the park, ride the train, etc. But the snow changed that so we ended up at Chuckee Cheese!



She loved it and it was the perfect time to go as the joint was EMPTY! Perfect for a budding toddler!



Not afraid of Chuckee this time!





Later that night we had a small celebration (her party isn't for a couple of weeks)with Daddy, Lola, Tita T and Cousin NC.

  She LOVED the icing of course!

  Then it was time for gifts!

  "Wow! This is a big present!"



  She loved the wrapping paper more than the actual present.

  "How many ways can I tear this up?"

  "HMMMMMM...what is this?"

  Happy Birthday Miss J!! Mommy and Daddy love you!