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And So It Begins... Jay's First Birthday

Lynee Ritchie
Sep 1, 2016
2 min read

There is full slideshow of photos below, but my sweet baby Jay had her very first birthday party this weekend. It's difficult to put into words just what a mom goes through as she watches her little love grow. Something so bitter, so sweet. I blew a kiss goodbye to the newborn she once was. I waved to the 4 month old that just started rolling over. I gave a nervous hug to the 7 month old that decided since she learned to crawl a few weeks before - it was now time to conquer climbing the stairs. With teary eyes, I said, "hello" to my rambunctious, smiley, happy toddler. The girl that tried to follow her daddy up the ladder, the same toddler that throws her head back and laughs with excitement when you start to chase her. I said, "hello" to the adventures I will face with Jay's ever-growing personality. Thankfully, and so sadly, this is only the beginning. To my baby girl, thank you. Thank you for teaching me what it is to be a mom, and keeping me on my toes... constantly. Thank you for rewarding my efforts with your beautiful smile, and giving me hugs when I need them the most. You came into this world, and gave me so much more to strive for. You taught me to stand up for myself, by showing me just how much I am willing to stand up for you. You taught me that how I want to parent - is how I can parent, and no one else's opinion matters. Because of you, I have learned the amazing bonding experience that breastfeeding is, and I am so, SO thankful that I tuned everyone out when they told me you were getting, 'too old'. You and I share such a special bond, a special love, and I look forward to getting to know who you will become. Jay's birthday was held at a near by park, themed Sugar & Spice... let's be honest, Jay is full of sugar, but even more so with spice. Pink & Gold was set up along the tables, a nacho bar for the spice table, and more candy than anyone could need for the sugar table. I printed water bottle labels to add a pop of color, and used my handy mason jars as cups for the lemonade. For anyone looking to follow a similar pink & gold theme, I've listed the candy that I used on this spread.