Monday, March 14, 2011

naterpillar par-tay: a preview (3)


We're just a couple weeks out from our little Naterpillar's first birthday! I can't believe she'll be turning one so soon... or that this party will actually finally be happening! We've been gathering little things here and there for so long, it kind of feels like Christmas is coming.

I have to say that I have been so incredibly touched by how many people have contacted me via facebook or this blog to share ideas and resources for this little party. That adorable Naterpillar picture above? A genius photoshopped creation by Natalie's godfather, The Last King of Hollywood himself. Emily at Baby Dickey recommended a couple of websites (like this one and this one) that had ideas from other parties, Amanda from Baby Babinski lives near the Eric Carle Museum and suggested that I get in touch with them about their different children's activities (hello, coloring pages!), Kendra from Planet Kendar suggested a balloon Naterpillar (like this one), our friend Erin (who is making the trip from Albany for the party!!) got me the link to this birthday party hat, fellow County girl Jaime let me know that Kohl's is selling these super adorable plush Eric Carle toys, Amelia reminded me that March 20th is The Very Hungry Caterpillar Day, and EC Alum Lauren sent me these coloring pages. I really can't say enough how much it has meant to me that so many of you have taken the time to think about miss Natalie's party. It's overwhelmingly sweet and thoughtful, and makes me all mushy-gushy about all the love being sent out into the universe for our girl's first birthday.

In this week's par-tay preview, I thought I'd share a little about the menu. The party is scheduled for mid-afternoon, so we're not doing a big meal thing--just snacks inspired by the book. Each food from the book will be represented in some way at the party--a bunch of the fruits in a fruit salad, sausage in mini pigs-in-a-blanket, chocolate milk instead of chocolate cake, a salad for the "nice green leaf," a bucket of lollipopps, and watermelon & cherry candies as take-home favors, etc. I've been working on making food labels for each item that will indicate what food it is from the book, and on what day the caterpillar ate it. I'm going to make a caterpillar out of cupcakes instead of doing a traditional birthday cake, and even found cupcake liners from the Eric Carle party line that will match all the polka-dotted stuff at the party.

In all honesty, I've been having a bit of anxiety about the party as it's started to get closer--I'm not sure if I'm just feeling stressed about Natalie turning one, or if I'm suddenly realizing all the work I still have ahead of me to get all the details of the party together... either way, Mikey has had to spend some serious time talking me down, haha! Here's hoping everything comes together in time... although, luckily, Natalie won't really care either way. :)

6 comments:

  1. Were you able to convince Mike to get the hat?

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  2. stop! SO CUTE!!! Please stop stressing about her party and don't go overboard. She won't know at this age, so who is all this really for?!?! Do not get sucked into the crazy! Her adorable head on top of the caterpillar body is enough for me! ADORABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  3. Thanks for the shout-out! I cannot wait to see the photos from this party. :) My Lindsey-Lu turns 1 on Thursday, party on Saturday, so I'm right there with you in the self-inflicted bday stress! :)

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  4. @erin--yes! i actually have to get in touch with the vendor again to make sure it's on its way... which it should be! :)

    @stacy--i know, i know... i am totally bringing all of this party madness on myself. and as much as i want to think it's for her.. it's for me, haha :)

    @kendra--happy birthday lindsey!! pictures, please! good luck :)

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  5. I just placed my order for abbys hat. The vendor contacted me and I let them know I needed it a week before I actually do. I figured six weeks was still enough time to do it. I hope you get it in time and am so excitedto see it. I looks like your party is shaping up quite nicely and we are so excited to come.

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