The First Birthday Party

I have some beautiful memories of the Little One's first birthday party, held last weekend in the Village community centre. Walking through the gate to the courtyard, holding her on my hip, her tutu sticking out from under the baby belly, a crocheted crown on her head, and feeling a little teary as her little cousins called her name in excitement. My doting, big-hearted parents and my mother-in-law hard at work, preparing food and greeting guests. Watching friends and family (re)connect. K's heartfelt speech. Her little cheer as everyone hip hip hoorayed for her. Our little cuddle in the midst of the party, in acknowledgement of such a special occasion. Sass and her little boyfriend Archie, chalking graffiti on the courtyard walls.

It was a big party, an enormous amount of work, but oh so worth it. She is so very loved, our Little One.

We made the classic mistake of not taking many photos on the day (I am thankful for friends and family who picked up our camera or emailed through their own captures). Above are the party left overs that are still scattered about our home. I just can't bring myself to put them away, just yet...

...

Dipped glass vases inspiration (vases are recycled)

Tassel garland tutorial here and tissue paper from this Etsy store

Photo timeline monthly dividers sewn with Spotlight fabric and typewriter font stamp set from this lovely shop (I'll reuse these in Saskia's baby book)

Paper cups from Woollies (stamped with rubber tips on pencils, ink pads from Spotlight)

Giant balloons from here

Recycled Papel Picado banners from our engagement party bought from this Etsy store

Fabric and ribbon party hats - template here

Fabric favour bags inspiration

The Saskia skirt (how could I not?) and gold mouse Mary Janes (again, how could I not?)

Play

An orange from the fruit bowl. Wormie. My Elk beads. iPhone. Rice in a small container*. Crocheted teether. Fluff from the Flokati rug. Wooden coaster. Sophie. Mama's hair. The wooden rattle with beads and a bell ($4 from the local oppie).

These are a few of your favourite things.

I've been thinking a lot about play and toys lately. Heuristic Play and Treasure Baskets. Inspired by a post I read a while ago and bookmarked, and also this lady's recent post. Looking at Saskia's preferred playthings, more than half are everyday objects and only a handful are 'toys'. So I'm sure there's something to this.

Now that she has been comfortably sitting up for a while I think it'd be a great time to introduce a Treasure Basket. I'm actually a wee bit excited about the treasure hunt for objects too.

...oh, and speaking of toys and playthings, how sweet are these little guys in Ms Milky's new Etsy shop?

*ok, it's a unused specimen jar!

Rain, rain

All this rain is keeping everything so lush. The view from our balcony is a hundred different shades of soothing green.

...but it means we hesitate before venturing out of the house, don't linger on outings and forgo our walks. Whilst I would have relished a week of forecast rain with a teeny babe, now I feel a little restless at the thought. Saskia and I have been enjoying an outing a day, even if it's just a stroll around the village and nearby streets, and I think we are both all the better for it by the end of the day.

And she has some darling little bloomers that I am desperate to get her into, but it's not bare (chubby) leg weather. At least her knitted cardis are getting a good run.

Farewell summer (ha).

Ps. This love affair with the fuzzy button on instagram has got to stop.

Eskimo kisses

If I had been more organised I would have arranged to have this print sent to Meu Amor in time for Valentine's Day. Maybe for our 5 year anniversary in March instead?...

Lovely prints from Etsy seller Blancucha in Madrid.

image from Blancucha's Etsy store