Before I Post My Party Pics

Just something I feel I need to get out of the way before I start throwing party photos all over the place...

After my post on birthday party anxiety  was hit with so much controversy, I actually felt even more stressed.  The new voices in my head told me that I was an awful parent for wanting to have a party and I should just bag the whole thing all together.

The response to that post (which you probably noticed, I kind of ignored until now), was actually a really good heart-check for me.  While I was only about half sincere in what I wrote, I do think that part of being real is admitting that sometimes our motivation for doing things isn't 100% pure. BUT, that doesn't mean that there aren't good and right reasons for doing those things too.  Let me explain.

Out of all the comments and emails I got about Sam's birthday party, the advice of a close blog friend with a recently-turned one year old - If you want to throw a big shebang, DO IT! If you don't want to, don't!

Baby Sam will love you regardless - rang the truest...

When I thought long and hard about my motivation behind throwing an extravagant birthday party, I realized that it did have some to do with having cool pictures that people would be impressed with on my blog; but, it also had a lot to do with the fact that I like entertaining.  I like party planning.  I like thinking up themes and decorations and watching it all come together.  It is something that really makes me happy - the way photography, or singing, or painting might be for some one else.  I also like celebrating.  ANY reason is a good enough one to celebrate in my book, but my baby turning ONE and me surviving all the challenges and joys of the first year... That's a DARN GOOD reason to celebrate.

So celebrate we did!

And, even if I lost a blog follower or two, I'm glad I actually went through with my plans for the party.  I had a blast planning and getting ready for it; and, I think any time my son gets to see his Mommy "coming alive" it is a good thing.  Plus, even though he probably won't remember a single thing about it, we have wonderful pictures to show him one day.  And to share with the blog world tomorrow. ;)

All that said, if I learned one thing during my first year of motherhood, it is to ASK FOR HELP.  This party (although I, well really Pinterest, came up with most of the ideas) was a labor of love from SO many people.  I had a lot of help; and, largely because of that,I can honestly say that I was never stressed out about it.  I'm excited to share it tomorrow because 1.) it's cute and 2.) I think it is proof that you can have a cute party that is still relatively simple, inexpensive, and craft-free.  I'll try to share some details on how we accomplished that in my photos.

Until tomorrow!

P.S. I realize I've now made it sound like this was the most extravagant/greatest party ever.  It really isn't anything that special. Just be prepared.