More Birthday --- My Favorite Memories

Hard to believe Cruz's birthday party is almost a week in the history books.  And as I sit here typing on a quiet Saturday afternoon in the house, with cloudy skies threatening heavy downpours of rain we haven't seen in months, I am glad to say we are on this side of the party instead of the other.  Last year, we celebrated Cruz's first birthday party in 70 degree gorgeousness, and this year we braved low-fifties with sweaters, stocking caps, and socks.  It was a little breezy, but very sunny, and the littles didn't seem to mind digging for dimes and nickels in Big Bird's birdseed or rubber duckies in Ernie's pond.  Kids are resilient that way...

I always feel weird after big celebrations like birthdays.  One part of me is glad it's behind us --- the extra stress, the extra busy, and the extra (okay obsessive) checking up on the 7-day forecast to predict weather patterns and rain chances that might dampen our festivities --- however, the other part of me is sad to see it go, sad to think we have to wait an entire year to celebrate Cruz's birthday again, and sad to think that all I have left is a lot of leftover sweets to eat, saggy balloons, and one little boy who is growing further away from baby with every day that goes by.  

Birthdays are bittersweet in that way.  They are supposed to be some of the happiest days of one's life, yet, I always feel a little sad, too.  In fact, I think I've cried on my birthday every year since I turned 16.  I think it's nostalgia.  The whole loss of innocence, growing older and losing these days that I want so desperately to hold onto.  And the funny thing about it is that while I think at the time that I want to hold on to what I have, to stick my world in a glass case like Holden Caulfield and keep it the same while the rest of the world keeps moving, every year just keeps getting better and better.  Now, it's about remembering them.

  

My favorite memories from Cruz's 2nd Birthday Party...

...the decorations and spread.  The bold colors, the fun references to Sesame Street, and the tiny, calculated details became some of my favorites, and I had so much fun putting all the pieces together on Saturday.  From the chalkboard labels and striped paper straws in my glass Starbucks bottles, to the envelope of Cruz Bucks that looked just like Monopoly money, everything went together perfectly and looked just as I had pictured it in my head. 

...how cute Cruz looked in his green Elmo t-shirt and red Chuck Taylors.  He may not have smiled for a picture to save his life, but he looked pretty dang cute on his big day.

...the games.  I had no idea how they would go over, but they ended up being the highlight of the party.  The birdseed hunt for pocket change was my favorite, and it was so fun to watch each of them 'hunt' for quarters in their own way.  They got so excited when they found a coin, that is, except Cruz, who seeemd to be more content filling his brown paper bag with birdseed and calling it good.  I guess money can't buy happiness, but birdseed can!

...the coloring station.  In honor of Elmo's favorite past-time, everyone had to color a picture for Cruz in exchange for a Cruz Buck.  Jersee took her time and stayed within the lines, Charly found just the right one for Cruz, and Cruz sprawled across the table to 'help' her color the one with 'my drum.' 

...Cruz tackling his enormous mountain of birthday presents.  He knew just what to do!  And with the help of his cousin, he plowed through his loot at lightning speed, excited about every single one.  He loved (both) his Woofer guitar(s), thought his shopping cart made a pretty sweet scooter, and was a big fan of his new dump truck, his Little People bus, and his new books and Bears gear.  He opened presents a little like his dad (I prefer the slow, steady, soak-it-all-in speed, while Beau goes for more of a spastic approach), but this was also due to the massive, never-ending pile, and number of guests waiting to retire.  I was glad I saved a few of my favorite wrapped surprises back so Cruz could take all the time he wanted on his actual birthday.

  

A week later, the cookies are officially finished, the decorations are tucked away, and we're left scratching our heads trying to identify new homes for new toys!  It was a special day to celebrate one special boy, and although I'm sad the street sign is stored away and Mr. Hooper's store is closed, I know history has a way of repeating itself, meaning we've got lots more celebrating to do in the year to come.   

The Details --- Party DIY 1

This is the first in a series of how-tos from Cruz's Sesame Street Second Birthday Bash.  A lot of planning when into this little shindig and I wanted to make sure I took some time to share some of my most favorite details from his party.

I incorporated some fun and simple games for the littles to play at the party, to which they earned 'Cruz Bucks' to spend later at Mr. Hooper's Store.  Mr. Hooper's Store, aka, a cheap three-shelf Wal-Mart bookcase I salvaged from my old classroom and spray-painted red, was filled with lots of fun party favors, including these Oreo pops I dipped and packaged the day before.  They are not only easy and fun to make, but hold out for a long time and taste absolutely delicious!  They were one of the most popular buys at the party and are the perfect little treat for parties or handy way to cure a killer chocolate fix.
  
Here's what you need...

1.  lollipop sticks (I got a pack of 24 at Hobby Lobby)
2.  Oreos (I bought two packages)
3.  one package of white almond bark
4.  sprinkles, toffee, coconut, chocolate chips, peppermint for decorating
5.  cellophane treat bags (also in baking aisle at Hobby Lobby)
6.  candy melt containers (these are found in the baking aisle at Hobby Lobby and I will never dip a piece of food in chocolate without them.  You can buy them in a pack of three, and they are microwave-safe, the perfect height for dipping, and you can throw 'em away when you're done.  Do you need them?  No, but they've sure made my dipping days easier!
  
Here's what you do...
  
1.  First, divide your Oreos.  When you divide them, you will typically have one side with the frosting and one without.  After some trial-and-error, I ended up using my non-frosting halves for crumbs for Slimy's Dirt Cups, and only used the sides with frosting (hence the need for two packages).  Next time, I may just purchase the Double Stuffed kind, since I think the key to getting your lollipop stick to stick is the amount of frosting it has to adhere to.

2.  Melt 1-2 square of almond bark in the microwave.  Dip the end of your lollipop stick in the almond bark and stick on one side of the Oreo.  Taking another Oreo, make a sandwich between the lollipop stick and press down until you can see almond bark ooze to the end of the cookie.  The key here is to get enough almond bark so the two Oreo sides cement together.  Set lollipop aside and continue until finished.  

3.  Once the cookies have hardened, check to make sure they are difficult to pull apart.  This means they are ready for dipping.  Melt your almond bark (according to package directions) in the microwave.  Take each stick and dip in melted almond bark.  Spin to let access bark run off.  Dip in desired sprinkles/toppings and let cool on sheets of wax paper.

4.  Once cooled, wrap each in cellophane treat bag and secure with ribbon.  

Super fun and super easy.  And if you thought Oreos were good, just wait.  I promise :)            

        

Almost Two

When it comes to the age-old debate as to whether one’s child looks more like his mom or more like his dad, I’d have to say that although ours definitely comes close, Beau usually wins by majority.  Attribute it to his wispy white-blond hair, his deviously charming grin, and his high-spirited, busy, and sometimes-disorderly demeanor, but it’s easy to see that in many ways, Cruz is very much his father’s son.  But, while many may say ‘he’s all Beau,’ there are definitely traits that prove he’s got some mama in him, too. 

He’s got my brown eyes. 

And he’s got my nose.

And he’s doing more and more with his left hand lately, making us wonder if Beau may have scored his left-handed Cubs pitcher after all.

But beside the physical traits that appear apparent to most, there is one thing Cruz does especially well that he most definitely gets from his mama. 

He loves to pretend.

The other night, we played for a good hour with his new Sesame Street house and Little People bus.  We took turns strapping Elmo and Cookie in the bus, driving them to Mr. Hooper’s storefront, to which Cruz would whip up whatever I was hungry for.  He made everything from chocolate shakes to chicken pot pie, sat in pride and satisfaction as I tried (and paid for) my dishes.  Before long, Cruz ran into the kitchen, pushing his new shopping cart in front of him at a steady speed.  Not long after, he returned with two leftover paper plates from his party, set them down on the living room floor, placed Elmo on one and Cookie on the other, and got back to work in Mr. Hooper’s store, preparing our next feast --- this time with guests. 

Our Cruz Man has quite the imagination lately, and is content keeping busy on his own, entertaining himself in a world full of pretend, at a level I find pretty astonishing for his age.

Then again, he is almost two. 

Tomorrow, our boy turns two years old.  It’s incredible to think that just two years ago, we welcomed this perfect little person into our lives, a person who would fit so naturally into our mold, yet fill our lives with new lessons, new learning, new laughter, and a new love we could have never dreamed of.  From those early days at home where everything was new and peaceful and pure, to the many milestones we’ve witnessed, and the many memories we’ve cherished, every month and every stage has been its own unique journey.  And in that journey, I’ve learned more about myself and have been challenged to grow as an individual more than ever before.
 

I feel so blessed to get to share my life with this little boy of mine, and am grateful for every gift his life has given us.
 

I am so proud to be his mama.
 

      

Sunny Days...

I love birthday weeks for so many reasons, but I think especially because I pay attention more.  Every tiny detail about your child becomes important simply because it reminds you of the day they arrived in this world and changed yours forever.  I read an extra book before bed, I play a little longer, I kiss those cheeks a little more, and I allow a piece of birthday cake for dinner simply because it just feels right to do this week.  

This past weekend, we braved the cold and celebrated Cruz's 2nd birthday with the most fitting theme possible --- Sesame Street.  Cruz identified a love for all things Sesame about nine months ago, and I've been dreaming up plans to bring this show to life in our own backyard ever since.  And while it's true my boy loves a lot of things --- school buses and trucks and apples and musical instruments, Elmo, Abby, and the gang on Sesame Street have a way of lighting up his very world and leaving him utterly enamored on a level all on its own.  I wondered if it would be a phase, but almost a year later, the furry friends on Sesame Street have continued to have a very special place in my sweet boy's heart (especially Elmo and Abby).

In another life, I would love to plan parties for a living.  Not big, overwhelming functions, but small, simple, and special get-togethers complemented with sweet details and unique trademarks that make each party stand out in its own, memorable way.  I'm a sucker for the small details, which if done right, always seem to outshine the bigger things in the end. 

My party planning process starts with a seed, usually planted early in the beginning of my summer vacation.  Then, like most early seeds planted in the ground, they need to time to develop underground, unseen to others, making sure they have the right conditions needed to sprout and grow and flourish.  And then, just like that, the seed sprouts and all hell breaks loose.  The small seed begins to blossom and flourish, and grow in ways that surprise even the planter.  And while many of its blossoms are healthy, beautiful, and important to the seed, other blossoms grow unnecessary weeds, and need to be trimmed, or scaled back (usually with a shears or a budget or husband).

My goal for this party was to create a sweet, simple, and vintage version of Sesame Street.  While it was important that Cruz recognize his favorite show in the party details, I didn't want the cheesy, bold, and oftentimes gaudy renditions of Elmo and Big Bird plastered everywhere in the house.  I wanted bright colors, I wanted a vintage flair, and I wanted clever connections to the show through my food, games, and decorations.  So, I watched Sesame Street with greater focus, looked for the themes, symbols, and trademarks that best described the show, and got to work throwing a 2nd birthday bash together that seemed to be quite the hit with even my youngest viewership...

So without further adieu, Cruz's 2nd Birthday Party, brought to you today by the letter 'C' and the number '2'...
 

My decorations for this party were big on color and simple on design.  I went with bold reds and yellows, bright blues and greens, and tried to incorporate lots of 'Cs' and '2s' to go along with Sesame's letter and number of the day theme.  My diy balloon wreath made a bold statement in the center of the dessert table, and the 'C2' in the middle are wooden letters from Hobby Lobby that I spray painted and hot-glued directly to the wreath.
  

I did a lot with mason jars filled with simple vintage toys I had around the house: wooden blocks, crayons (Elmo's favorite, of course), gumballs, and peanut M and Ms.  I had lots of fun picking out colorful scrapbook paper, and made yards upon yards of old fashioned paper chain links and circle-shaped table confetti I punched with my 2" circle punch.  The white tablecloths were a nice balance with the rest of the color, and I found colorful plates, napkins, and utensils at Target.
 

My favorite decorations ended up being the chalkboard backdrop, these gumball machine centerpieces from Kara's Party Ideas blog, and ribbon streamers.  I'll save the diy deets for another post, but in the meantime, don't throw away your terra cotta pots :)

I actually added the chalkboard to the table when I discovered the sun was getting in the way of my pictures!  The black board and messy fonts played nicely against the white tablecloths, and was a fun conversation piece for guests.  I have plans to do one every year with all of Cruz's favorite things... 

 

Sesame Street Inspired Door Sign courtesy of 11cupcakes 

Twine, tiny clothespins from Hobby Lobby, and a year's worth of Mom's favorite images created the perfect backdrop to the present-opening stage.   

 

And last but not least, even Beau got in on the party planning action.  Wandering through the aisles of Lowes one day, Beau put together the pieces of a pretty convincing Sesame Street street sign.  This statement piece, paired with some mystery guests' footprints, welcomed our guests to the party and spread the word to the neighbors that there was indeed a party going on right here.  

 

For food, I wanted easy treats and Cruz's favorites.  Last year, we grilled burgers and hot dogs, and I spent hours in the kitchen making salads and baking pans of Cruz's favorite mac 'n cheese.  This year, however, we went easy on food, ordered Cruz and Elmo's favorite, pizza, and had fun pairing lots of sweets with their television-inspired character...

 

We had Oscar's 'Trash' Mix (Grandma Mary's amazing chex mix), Big Bird's Birdseed (candy-coated sunflower seeds), Elmo's Goldfish Crackers, Fruit on a Stick, Cupcake Cones, pizza, a plate of cookies for Cookie Monster, and my favorite, Slimy's Dirt Cups (chocolate pudding, Oreo crumbles, and a single gummy worm, displayed in clear push pop containers).  We had juice boxes for the littles, Jones' soda for the bigs, and last but not least, an amazing double layer birthday cake created by Delicious Design Cakes here in Waterloo. 

This year, I wanted to play some games with the kids, and thought Cruz would have so much fun getting to experiment with fun little obstacles and activities inspired by his favorite characters.  The games ended up being a huge hit, and Mr. Hooper's Store was the grand finale.  

First, they hunted for loose change in Big Bird's Birdseed Hunt...
 

Then, they helped clean up Oscar's mess by seeing how many paper wads they could sink in the trash can...
 

Next, it was a blind-folded duck hunt in Ernie's Rubber Ducky pond.
 

After they found their duck, they took a break at Elmo's Coloring Station and colored a picture for Cruz in honor of his birthday...

And last but not least, they drank some milk and decorated their very own cookie at Cookie Monster's 'C is for Cookie' station.
 

  

After playing some games and collecting their 'Cruz Bucks,' the kiddos got to spend their hard earned cash at Mr. Hooper's Store.  They shopped til' they dropped and went home with everything from chocolate dipped Oreos, to play-doh, to 'C2' crayon molds I made from old crayon pieces.
   

 

 

This party was a blast to put together, and like always, I'm sad it's come and gone.  We've celebrated big, and now, I'm looking forward to a special birthday and quiet celebration with Mom, Dad, and the birthday boy later this week.  There so much more to say, and so much more to celebrate!