Sasha's party

I was so happy and excited to be able to attend one of my childhood friend's daughter's birthday party. It was a tea party and Emma had to go dressed to the nines. Emma is not a girly girl, but she does enjoy dresses and tea parties. They even had a Snow White, walking around and reading stories to the kids. The best part of the party was the face painter. I thought for sure Emma would not want her face painted as she hates people touching her face and hair. I also know da ninj cannot stand still for one second, but the minute she saw one boy with tiger face, she wanted one. All the other girls got butterflies but Emma wanted the tiger. She sat so still and was so happy when she saw her reflection! She refused to take off the paint when we got home and the next day she ran to the mirror to see herself and got all sad when she didn't see a tiger. I think I am going to have to practice my face painting now. Anyway, it made me really happy and proud to know that my child is independent, fierce and fearless and knew what she wanted.

Emma turns three

cheese

strut

I want this one

like father like daughter

I'm this many

Emma's actual birthday was Sept 25 and I cannot believe she is three. I remember those weeks leading up to her birth, how I barely felt a braxton hicks contraction and strangers would take the time to tell me just how huge I was. She was after all, a big baby, almost 9lbs and 21.25 inches long. She was born fitting into 3 months clothing and now, barely three, she wears a 5T. I remember wondering what she would look like and feel, I was both anxious and numb. Now I cannot imagine my life without her. I feel that after three years I finally feel comfortable being a mom. I feel that bliss I have heard other moms talk about, that extreme love you have for your child. I have always loved Emma, but I have struggled with my role as a mom and the whole balancing act is still a balancing act, but I do feel it starts to getting easier.
Anyway, her day started off quiet. I unfortunately had to work that day so I woke up extra early to take her to Barnes and Noble so she could pick out a treat and book. Then after work we took her to see the Lion King at the movies and spent way too much money but the experience was fun. Finally at night we did the cake and opened presents and she was so happy! I love watching her little face light up.

Emma's 3rd Down by the Bayou-Princess & the Frog birthday

our invitation

the table

the gorgeous cake

key lime cupcakes

red beans and rice

lovely containers and forks from the great folk at Garnish.

bayou pops

mason jar for lemonade. I think people were intimidated because no one used them :(

I scream, you scream for ice cream! cups and spoons also from Garnish

craft time-princess hats and...

lightening bugs. From Oriental Trading

this is E's bug

pin the kiss on the frog game

it goes here

da loot

I love making the souvenir bags!

handmade coloring books and crayons

princess starter kit

memory game

this is my prototype

Pinata time!

Emma is a huge fan of the movie the Princess and the Frog, but she is not a princess girl. She is very much a free spirit, an independent, can do, kinda gal. I see a lot of Tiana in her, someone who does not depend on anyone but herself, because if it hasn't been made clear, da ninj rarely asks for help. So for her third birthday I wanted to focus on the bayou aspect of the movie and steer clear of a lot of Disney imagry. I tried to incorporate classic images of the prince frog, as well as give the party a very organic feel. I was very much attracted to Mama Odie's home and the bayou, the moss, the color, the feel of the swamp. I must say that E's birthday came at lightening speed! I was so happy to go back home to celebrate with family and I had it all planned out for it to be an outdoors party, as the theme was Princess and the Frog, Down by the Bayou. Florida is the perfect backdrop, so lush and green, but alas there was threat of rain and high winds so we had to set up indoors. Luckily it never rained and we were able to do the pinata outside, but the winds were very strong, knocking some branches down, and the party had to stay inside. Thus my photo ops were limited, due to the lack of space inside my mothers house it was impossible for me to take a full shot of the table and there is no natural light, so I had to use what little source there was and gasp, use flash- I cannot tell you how much I am not a fan of flash and adore natural light. Anyway, I did the best that I could to document the party, but as always I was busy playing hostess, so there is just one picture of the family together.

It was a great time however and the best part was that Emma and her friends had a great time together. They loved their goodie bags, which are always the highlight for me to make! I will post a separate post where I will list my sources and inspirations, for now I wanted to share these pictures and give a huge thank you to our dear family friend, Gema, who as always did an amazing job with the cake!