my baby's FIRST birthday!

I can't believe that my little JP is turning one!  One year ago, he gave us quite a surprise by showing up early, about 5 weeks before his actual due date.  He had to stay in the NICU for about 16 days until he was strong and able to feed without assistance of the gavage tube.  I still remember how small he was when he was born, how I was a wreck when I had to say goodbye to him after I was being discharge from the hospital, that we couldn't take him home yet.  But now he is grown to be a healthy and smart boy who brighten our days with his smiles, his quirks, and babbles.

I'm dreaming of a themed birthday party, how everything was custom-made and beautiful.  But my lack of imagination and being on EI, only allow me to do so much.  After hours and hours of poring through internet, I found inspirations!  The theme that I came up with, I have to admit, this is not my original idea, I blatantly copied it from these talented ladies at Dulce Sobremesa and Style Me Gorgeous.  I don't know how to do graphic design, so I turned to my little "haven" that I like to visit almost on, at least, weekly basis, called Michaels.

I LOVE the simplicity of this blue elephant with the red balloon.  I turned to my trustee inspiration, Martha Stewart.  I purchased some felt stickers with elephant in it (I love you, Martha Stewart!), a couple punches, one is the elephant punch, and a balloon punch!  With a little imagination and a few countless hours after the boys were all asleep, e voila, all done!

It was such a blessed day too, after a whole week of rain and gloomy gray days, we finally had some sunshine today.  We enjoyed the good food, the great weather, and of course, the company of our close friends.  Thank you so much everyone for coming and the wonderful gifts for our little James.....