James' First Birthday

First birthday parties are always fun.  With all the cousins in our family, Todd and I have attended many a party. But it is definitely much more fun and memorable to go to these types of events with your own baby. Before I was  a mom I often daydreamed about all the things you could enjoy with your own child and I am now living them!  Although Shannon obviously had no clue what was happening around her, she loved every minute of it.  James is Shannon's friend and they also attend day care together. James' mom, Courtney, is my good friend as well as a work colleague.  We were glad to have been invited to share the day with them. 

Courtney made the adorable giant cupcake smash cake- it was too cute to eat. When they put it in front of James he wasn't quite sure what to make of it and was really taken in by the sprinkles. 

Shannon enjoyed watching Katie sing her rendition of "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" as well as all that Katie and the other children were doing.  She seems to lock in more on girls who are a little older than her. I'm not sure if that's because the older girls tend to gravitate to babies or in general girls are just natural "gatherers" and like to hang out!

Shannon gave James a placemat with his name on it as well as a big boy lunch box with his initials.  I think these gifts were a little more fun for me to give and Courtney to open then they actually were for the kids!

Since James is 4 months older than Shannon it has been exciting to watch him grow and change and we look forward to what is to come for Shannon!  Happy Birthday James!