I am back from New Jersey where Gardner and I spent the weekend visiting family.  The main reason we went to visit is to celebrate Fynn's birthday (Gardner's second cousin).  Fynn turned one yesterday and on Saturday the family got together to celebrate.  My cousin, Heather, did a really wonderful job with the ocean themed party.  It reminded me of why I love Pinterest so much when it comes to creative party themes! 

Jerry and I are beginning to think about Garnder's first birthday too.  I take that back, I'm thinking about it, Jerry is still in need of some convincing that we need to have a first birthday at all.  Since Gardner won't remember it Jerry thinks we should skip it.  In reality, a first birthday party is more for the adults anyway.  Not that it's just a reason to throw a party, but more that we should be commended for surviving the first year of Gardner's life and not kill each other.  I guess we have another 4 months to make sure that neither of us kill the other one.  But all kidding aside, I really enjoy throwing a good party (as stressful as it can sometimes be).  In my current job, we work on educational event and conferences.  This leaves little room for me to stretch my creative muscles, so for Gardner's first birthday, IT IS ON! (Don't tell Jerry how "on it" I am though, he may be the one to reign me in for once).

Fynn's party was fantastic.  The usual suspects of cousins, aunts and uncles, and even some more distant relatives converged on Grandma's house (or as we now call her GG - short for Great Grandma).  Heather and my Aunt Sonya put together crab legs (carrots), goldfish (needs no explanation), tuna (fish shaped sandwiches with tuna on it), jelly fish sandwiches (round PB&J sandwiches, ocean jello (blue jello with Swedish fish), octopus dip (avocado and hummus dip with bell peppers for legs), among other goodies.  It was a truly adorable take on the ocean theme.  There was even make-your-own goody bags.  The various candy was displayed in large sand pails and included life savers, gummy worms, jelly rings, and others.  They really went for it!

  It definitely helped me with inspiration for Gardner's first birthday.  While we haven't picked a theme yet, I have no doubt that it will be adorable (as most first birthday parties are).  

Being an event planner causes me to think about things well in advance and strive for a level of perfection.  Something Heather said at the party really struck me.  Being that we're both first time moms (and Fynn is older than Gardner), I love to hear what Fynn is up to and see the things that he is doing, so I know what to look forward to.  At the party, Fynn was most interested in running around and showing off his walking skills rather than sitting down and opening presents.  Heather said after the presents were opened, "Man, I didn't like opening presents in front of everyone at my own birthday parties, let alone my son's."  I chuckled to myself, and then realized that in fact, this would also be my reality.  Event planners are typically very organized, but are not usually in the spotlight during an event.  Instead, they are behind the scenes making sure that things are going "according to plan."  However, for Gardner's birthday party, I will be sitting in the same position Heather was, and probably thinking the same thoughts.  At the end of the day, being a mom will trump being an event planner.  

What I do know is that whether we have "One Whale of a Party" or "A Three Ring Circus" we are going to be proud to celebrate the first year of Gardner's life surrounded by our friends and family.  It may not be the party of the century, but it be an event not to be missed.

What kind of party themes have been most memorable for you?  Birthday? Anniversary? Baby shower?  Wedding? Or other social event?  I'd love to hear your thoughts!