Family Photos

We were seriously due for some updated family photos, so we enlisted in our favorite photographer Kaity with VIDP. We decided to do these in Columbia at the state house so she did not have to travel. I had a hard time finding something to wear, bc I really loved the Vera Bradley dress Charleston has on and my shirt matched perfect. I really did not want Richard in orange, but the green in the dress instead. But of course I could not find it in his size...so to him we are in Clemson colors, but I don't think that way. lol. (least im trying not too).

Since Charleston had just turned ONE as well, we also took advantage and got some first birthday photos as well :)

Well... we also had another reason to do family photos..... 

Our family is growing by ANOTHER 2 feet!!!!! 

Letters to Charleston - 1 Year Old

To my beautiful daughter on her very first birthday!

I'll never forget the day your daddy went back to work after you were born, and I thought to myself, "Alright, Miss Charleston, you and I are in this together." I had no idea what I was doing and I had no idea what being a mother truly meant.
In a way, we both grew together over the past year. You learned, and I learned, but in many ways you taught me more then I taught you.

For the past year you've been my biggest worry and my biggest happiness. I stayed up at night researching things so I could always provide the best for you. We spent every day together - laughing, dancing, singing, and exploring this world. But with each new chapter we've opened together, I've somehow learned to love you more, and differently. I feel confident that as you continue to grow and learn, our bond will only strengthen as time and challenges try to tear it apart.

You were born in the era of social media, selfies, and hashtags. For me, my #CharlestonBjana was the best excuse to capture every moment since your birth and share it with so many who love you across the world. Your favorite thing in the whole world is face time. You love to face time Grandma Terri. You would sit there forever if she sang you Old McDonald. lol. And you also love face timing your cousins, Jonathan & Hunter.

You have grown so much this past month. Your pulling yourself up all by your self. You went from walking across furniture to walking on your own. Your still working on the whole balance thing, but your getting better each day.

The last few nights you have wanted me to rock you to sleep. Which Im ok with, bc Im sure those will be far in between here soon. You never really have been just a "snuggler," but Im happy to take them when you are. Your still sleeping through the night and waking up at 7am. Some mornings daddy or I will be up before you, which amazes me.

This past month we started the sink and swim lessons as well. Your so fascinated by water and your always ready to jump in.. I wanted to get you into the class that teaches you how to float if something should happen. Especially when so many family members have pools. You cry the whole time, but your doing so well. I think its mainly bc Im not in the pool with you or holding you. It makes me feel better that your not the only crier. About 90% of the kids are crying as soon as they get in the pool. But everyone progresses so fast and so well. Only being a year old, Im so proud how well your doing.

I still can't believe your a year old already. I look back at all your monthly pictures and see how much you have changed since day one. You have chunked out and slimmed out all at the same time. Your hair has lightened up and started to curl in the back. You def get all that from your daddy. Your personality is shinning through and your are such a giggle box! I love watching you grow and progress every day!

I love you to the moon and back!
Mommy

P.S. I finally finished your book from your birth! I have it displayed with Payton's Birth book as well! I wish you knew what it was like to have an older sister! Your one special girl to have a big sister watching over you while you grow.

Click here to view this photo book larger

Charleston's FIRST Birthday Party!

After months and months of planning Charleston's first birthday party, the big day finally arrived. Our house was filled last Saturday with friends and family with an outpouring birthday love for our sweet girl. The whole day was kinda of surreal, and I still can't believe our baby girl is a year old. I wanted to make this a special birthday for her (even if she wont remember it) and Im so happy with how everything turned out.

Even though my mind was in that crazy hosting-coordinating-wrangling mode, I still manged to get a handful of photos. I am truly greatful for my sister, Brandy and my mother n law for the photos they got as well. I know my dad played photographer too, but I have not had a chance to get those. The day went by so fast, that I truly cherish these photos!

Her cake was the inspiration for the whole color theme of the party. I ordered it from Tiers of Joy, she also did our Wedding cake. From that I created & designed her invitation and printed from mixbook. After that was her chalkboard that I created in photoshop. Pinterest and Etsy played a huge part in helping me decorate for her party. (You can click on any photo and it will enlarge it.)

Seeing all my decorations come to life made me so happy. The colors, the cake, her outfit, the details... it all turned out perfect.

Her banner around her high chair was made from tissue paper that I cut and twisted to make "tassels." They turned out better then I thought, as I made them 10 mins before the party. The "ONE" I had made when I did her cake smash sessions. Those were numbers that I bought from ac moore and spray painted and attached the gold dots and the princess crown. The pink carriage I bought from hobby lobby and spray painted as it was originally a hot pink. 

Charleston did so good opening her presents. Her favorite things were def the books, till she got to Aunt Brandy's princess castle! 

 

This girl was super EXCITED when it was time to eat cake! She wasted no time! You can see her Cake Smash blog here.

 

We didnt get a lot of photos.. but I did get a few!
Her out fit and my necklace came from etsy and my jumpsuit and her shoes came from amazon.

I think her first birthday was def a success and she was completely showered with love!