Holidays and Parties

I need to get working on planning Charlotte's first birthday party.  I can't believe she is already 1!!  Since it's around the holidays I think we are going to keep it pretty small and just invite a few friends.  I'm tossing around a few theme ideas, just not sure I which one I want to do.  I thought about doing a Nemo or Under the Sea/Ariel party since we live by the beach (and it's still in the 70's year round here).  I also really love her bedding--Cute as a Daisy which is just a garden theme with daisies, ladybugs, dragonflies and butterflies.  This seems simple and more like something I would do.  I also thought about doing a princess theme, but I might wait for this theme until she is 3 or 4 and understands what it all means.  Of course I could go without a theme and just pick a certain color, or polka dots, or stripes or something.  Take the poll and tell me what you think!

We made the kids a Christmas list on Amazon since we keep thinking about what to buy them for Christmas.  The drawers are packed full of clothes and they don't need any winter stuff this year.  We have limited space so we have to control the toys.  At the same time we want them to enjoy their first Christmas (really Charlotte's second Christmas...but first with us).  I think I want to get them one big item and then a couple of keepsake items...like a special bear, blanket, or book.  I don't even know what we're going to do for decorating...all my Christmas stuff is in storage and not accessible. :(

We also need to find time to take family pictures and first birthday pictures, as well as find time to see Santa.  The holidays take on a whole new level with kids!!

Congrats to Heather and Jason Hilgers!!!  Their baby girl, Ryan Michelle arrived yesterday on the 23rd (she was due on the 30th).  She weighed 6 lb, 11 oz and was 19.5 inches long.  I'm not sure of any of the other details, but here's a pic!