The decorations.

I'm a little bit behind.

Again.

As usual.

But I'm finally collecting my thoughts following Camden's birthday party, and it seems logical to share some of my favorite details and moments with you, my bloggie friends.

So I'm starting with the decorations.

I was really proud of myself, when everything was said and done, for having made the majority Camden's decorations. We can hardly wait to pull out his birthday bunting again next year, and that makes me, well? proud! and happy!

Anyway.

I also made these big, fluffy-looking tissue paper balls. They hung in different corners of the room... and, if I'm being honest? I loved them too much to crumple up and throw away.

So they're hanging above our bed.

...and Ryan thinks I've lost my mind. He won't admit to it. But I can tell.

Moving along.

The bunting and the tissue paper balls made up the majority of the decorations, but I also put up a few crepe paper streamers and we made a last-minute decision to buy twenty red and blue balloons to be used as a back-drop for Camden's cake pictures.

I cannot tell you how glad I am that we made that decision. It just... I don't know... added something to the pictures?

So there you have it. I like to think I managed to keep the decorating simple enough to be pleasant and not in-your-face obnoxious. It was exactly what I was going for.

...and if you were there and it was obnoxious? Please do not tell me. Just let me live out my fantasy. Thank you.

He's One!

Camden's party this evening was an, ehem, smashing success!

I'm one tired mama, but couldn't resist posting at least one picture. More to come--I promise.

Happy Birthday, sweet Camden! Mama loves you!

Hooked.

We all know I've got a major case of ADD when it comes to crafty things, right?

So should it come as any surprise that I've picked up something new? Again?

Of course not.

I like to sew, you see. Living in a one-room abode, however, does not lend itself easily to late-night sewing jags... or to nap time projects.

So I needed something quiet.

Something... relaxing. And happy.

Enter a new crochet hook, some basic online directions and some pretty yarn. The color says 'aquarium,' and a dreamy color it is.

Surprisingly enough, I'm not half bad, either! I'm just playing around and trying to figure out how not to make a mess right now... but I think I may be hooked!

Yea--that was bad.

Anyway.

Aren't the kitty-tooshies in the background fitting?? I think so.

Bunting

Remember the fabric we picked out a couple of weeks ago?

It was for Camden's party, of course. To be made into Birthday Bunting. My hope is that we can pull it out every year in the week leading up to his birthday. Kids like tradition, don't they?

I've got visions of hanging it over our kitchen table... the one that resides in the sunny, cozy breakfast nook in the cute little house in my head.

Anyway.

Here's the finished product:

I thought about writing up a tutorial for you, but there are so many of them already available. Instead, I'll share the link to my favorite tutorial.

I'll make sure to take photos once it's been put up for the party, too, because I'm absolutely in love with how it turned out!

Up to my eyeballs.

Yep, that title sums up the current state of affairs. I'm up to my eyeballs in birthday bunting, coordinating napkins and plates, decorations and dinner plans. But I'm here!

The week in review?

...a 24-hour power outage.
...wind. Lots and lots of wind.
...and rain. Buckets of rain.
...an obscene amount of money spent on one very important (and delicious!) cake for one very important little boy.
...gift shopping.
...rain. Have I mentioned it's been raining? Scratch that. Pouring.
...multiple trips to the party store, the craft store and Target.
...five days off for Ryan. I wish he could be around like this *all* the time.
...and this little guy:

He's learning to trust those legs he stands on. Slowly, but surely, he's getting to be more and more brave. Tell me though. Have you ever seen a tiny one who stands up in the middle of the room and starts off walking as opposed to letting go of a piece of furniture somewhere?? I haven't. But it's stinkin' cute!

I can't believe he'll be an official toddler this time next week.

Decisions, DIY Projects and Growing Up...

I feel as though it's been ages since I managed to post two days in a row. The hours slip by so quickly, and then it's time to get up and start all over again. I feel as though an update is in order... perhaps I'll find my motivation along the way?

We've been busy around here. Really busy.

Party plans are swirling around in my head, some of the ideas making their way on to paper--some of them lost before I even have a chance to jot them down. Invitations are in the mail, and believe me when I say that felt like a *huge* accomplishment. More on the party later.

Ryan spent the weekend away. He drove the five hours across our state to visit our old college town. It was cold. Really cold. But he had a good time anyway. Boys are funny that way.

While he was gone, my mom helped me pull a sneaky stunt and we tiled the backsplash area in our kitchen. White subway tile... and man, am I ever in love. This picture is almost embarrassing it's so... ugh... but it gives you an idea.

Camden has decided he no longer requires assistance where spoons are concerned. He's all about feeding himself. I had no idea it was possible to clean a floor so often.

Messy or not, he sure is cute.

Eating on his own isn't his only new trick. Yesterday, I watched as he took five big steps all on his own. I wonder, will we have a toddling baby at the party??

Everyone tells me I'll be sorry when he finally discovers his ability to walk. Truly though? I'm just excited. Nothing makes me happier than seeing him learn and grow... and if we're being honest? I'm a little bit excited to be able to put him down in public from time to time without him instantly crawling all over a yucky floor.

There--do you feel up to speed? I do. Sort of. I also feel wildly awkward posting an "update" to my blog... but hey, a mama has to do what a mama has to do.

Look for me. Hold me accountable. I'll be back.

Blocks.

I've been busy this week turning these:

...into these:

I've been searching for a nice set of wooden blocks for Camden, and just hadn't come across anything that really jumped out at me. Instead, I thought I might make him a set all his own.

It's slow going, trimming the little pieces of paper to fit each side, and then applying so many coats of Mod Podge while he naps, but definitely worth the outcome.

They're not all patterned, but you'll just have to wait and see what else I've got in store!

Why I Love Craig's List

...because you can score a super-awesome, egg-shaped spinning chair that will entertain your almost-toddler for ages while you do ten different crafty projects all at once.

The crafty projects? Those are coming. Soon.

The chair? $30. Sold by Ikea.