Sam's Little Party

After much thought and consideration on how to celebrate Sam's first birthday we ended up deciding on a small dinner party with a few of our dear friends, the Hahns and McAlisters. A big party would have simply overwhelmed little Sam, so we'll save that for another year! First birthday parties are really for the parents, so why not make it fun for all! We served up a fairly sophisticated menu, one of Justin's home brew and wine . . . and we enjoyed a lovely evening with friends even after our little birthday boy went to bed.

When it comes to first birthdays (or really anything for that matter) who is the chief muse? Why Martha, of course! After seeing this party in the October issue of LIVING I was inspired to use of few of the ideas and managed to create a cute little party without hiring a French chef (maybe next year???). I adapted the "all animals theme" to woodland animals for a more seasonal winter look. Here are a few photos of the fun!

The menu with one of Sam's baby pictures

The table - we had some really neat clear balloons to add but who knew there is a helium shortage in Kansas (not a joke) so had to forgo the balloons. Sam forgave us, thankfully.

Brown Sugar Layer Cake with Caramel Buttercream. Some day when Sam is a teenager and thinks his parents are mean and don't like him, I hope he will look at this picture and remember that his mother stayed up at night making woodland creatures out of marzipan for his 1st birthday cake. Hopefully that will remind him that he is most certainly loved. 

Another view of the tablescape . . .

The sweetest little birthday boy! 

Blowing out his candle - with Dad's help. 

The Hahns (right), McAlisters (left)  - Baby Genevieve is hidden behind Madeline

The cake with Vanilla Bean Gelato . . .

Can you tell we are really into the cake?

Happy Valentines Day!

Sam and Mom surprised Dad for Valentine's Day with a new photo for his desk! Here are a couple additional from the photo shoot. The last photo are some cookies we made to take to Justin's work to share with the Soldiers.

One year old!

We made it to one year as parents! I have been so sentimental all day remembering one year ago today when our little Samuel was born. He is truly the joy of our lives and keeps us laughing (and entertained). Here are a few fun facts about Sam at a year:

-Everywhere we go he waves at people . . .  everywhere, everyone!
-He is big into giving kisses right now. Nothing compares to getting a big sloppy kiss when I get him out of his crib to nurse in the middle of the night (still working on sleeping through the night).
-Sam is quite the dancer. He prefers big band (of course, since that is my favorite) and Bob Dylan. We never tire of seeing his "moves".
-Currently he loves pancakes, all sorts of berries, black beans, avocado and most of all, mozzarella cheese. He hates everything that is genetically modified or has pesticides - only organic! (Just kidding. Maybe he can't tell the difference, but that is what his mom feeds him.)
-Sam goes to school once a week for a "Mommy and Me" class and is known as the child that cries every time the maracas have to be put away. We are working on putting them in the basket without a melt down - good goal for year 2!

One of his first photos . . . he is so big now!

Sam excited to play with his first birthday gift that arrived from Aunt Lisa and Uncle Rich!

Thanks for the fun present, Aunt Lisa and Uncle Rich! 

Yes, we made him wear this make-shift party hat. Love those chubby wrists!

First encounter with cake!

Are you really going to let me eat this?

Delving into the sweetness!


In other Ducote news, Justin has become quite the brew-master. This winter he picked-up the hobby of brewing beer in our kitchen and basement. We were both surprised how well the first batch turned out. Next, on the list . . .WINE! 

Justin's brewing operation in our pint sized kitchen. The pot on the stove has a brew in the beginning stages and the glass jugs contain a beer that is mid-way through the "aging" process. (Kitchen looks messy, sorry)

First frosty mug of the finished process!