....one thing Stefan and I decided after having children in NYC is that we would throw birthday parties on the odd years.....it began when Elsie turned one, because it just didn't feel quite right not doing it up big to commemorate the mark of the baby that changed the world of two people who said, I do and proceeded to expand their union.....
.....and if you do it up for baby number one, then you must follow suit with your future babies.....at least that's how we do it in our home.....
.....but realizing as NYC urban dwellers we were low on party space and that options in the neighborhood for hosting parties can get pricey, we decided we would still do it up big as far as annual celebrations go, but that we would only throw the big shabaangs complete with friends, favors and a theme every other year.....and the third birthday has always been fantastic because the one in honor does not remember their party at one year old.....but at three, they are fully aware that there will be a festivity with all of their friends and it will be grand.....
....and the anticipation is half the fun of the celebration......so as we baked and planned and discussed what was to come, my youngest girl was more than thrilled when the time arrived to set up for her sweet celebration......
....in keeping up with the sweet theme, the London Candy Company hosted our special event and we turned the place into Callie's sweet shoppe in a New York minute......
.....and I have never seen little girls sit so still and patiently while surrounded by candy.......it's a lure that starts at a young age.....
.....every girl likes to get made up.....and our birthday babe was thrilled to lead the charge......
.....and Callie was serious about having her face painted.....she has been talking about the design, the color and the sparkles since we started planning her party......
.....and she got exactly what she wanted.....
.....and so did her big sister.....
....as well as many other little girls who were thrilled to sit still and decide between pink shimmer or purple golden dust and choose their favorite colored rhinestones......
.....and once the faces were painted, the party rallied in full force and the sugar highs kicked in......
.....again, my girl leading the charge while rockin' her pink cowboy boots and purple tutu......an ensemble she decided herself....
.....and you know what they say about a kid in a candy shop.....or in this case, a baby in a candy shop?.....
....at 10 months, he understands, No, no......
....and he moves away while we are still looking at him.....
....and the moment we turn our heads, he moves back in for the prize.....
.....who says the big kids should have all the fun?......
......Brody made it a point to make it a boys night with Daddy......the two of them were connected at the hip......
....a sight that still stops me in my tracks.....my husband is still so stunning to me and Brody is his Momma's boy....having him join our family still is so new and we're loving it......
.....but our birthday girl is one who emphatically loves the things she loves.....and she loved the time for cupcakes and candles.....
....and she makes other's around her happy, excited and energetic.....Callie is one of those people who can walk into a room and change the mood immediately......
.....she is one of a kind and extraordinary......
.....and I couldn't help but notice that while everyone joined together in one place to celebrate my little sprite, there was a joyfulness and festive spirit that affected all of us.....
.....Callie, you have a way of drawing people in.....you have a zest for life and a passion for fun, yet a serious side too.....
....you are the one who blesses us with humor, wittiness, and the ability to sense and perceive all things.....
...our family is blessed to experience the joy your bring us and I don't take it for granted.....
.....ever.....
.....we love you so much.....
....do it up, baby......we get to do this again in 7 days when we celebrate your real birthday with family near and far.....
.....here's to another week of anticipating the celebration of you.....
Photography by Sara Blackburn Photography
Cupcake toppers and goodie tags by Palm Beach Polkadots
Callie's tutu by Tiara's Boutique
Party location: London Candy Company. See their website for party details.