Sunday

Birthday Party Pictures

Isabella's 1st birthday party was held on her actual birthday (June 29th), but we went on vacation shortly after so I haven't been able to post the party pictures until now. Here goes...


When I was fostering Isabella in Guatemala, I got VERY spoiled because we had a lady named Sandra cook for us three nights a week. The food was always amazing! Sandra's cooking inspired me to make Guatemalan food for Bella's party. I practiced the recipes every night for an entire week to get them just right for the party (My family was so OVER Guat. food by the time of the party. Ha! ). I even bought a tortilla press and made homemade corn tortillas... the yummiest EVER! I think Sandra would be proud!

Let's get this party started!

Table for two: Mama and the birthday girl eating dinner. My little Latina likes her food flavorful and SPICY.

Jolly jump to keep the kids- big and small- BUSY and havin' fun

Instead of a traditional pinata, Kirk opted for a tortilla throwing contest. The kids had fun chucking the tortillas as far as they could. Can you see Jillian's tortilla in the picture? It's between her and the red cooler. She bit holes in it to make it more "aerodynamic".

Josh and Luke ate more tortillas than they threw. You can see Josh's tortilla above his head!


Ask Bella how old she is and she'll show you one finger....

... and then she claps for herself! Too funny!

Ooh la la! The cake!

I actually picked up her cake at the bakery that morning and it was sooo not what I ordered. They must have decorated it with the lights off!!! Thankfully, they remade it for me. Phew! Crises averted!

For some reason she thought it was hysterical that she could take off her new birthday bracelet all by herself. She loves to make people laugh!

New dolly from Nana

After presents, we made a quick change into her birthday tutu and party hat. It was so fun to hear the ooh's and aah's when I brought her outside for cake. This family is used to BOYS, so it was so fun to go a little (or a LOT) foo foo!!!

She loved her cake AT FIRST...

... But then butter cream frosting gets a little nasty after half the cake is gone!



One of our traditions is that the birthday baby gets to feed daddy some birthday cake. Go, Kirk!

Isabella,

When I tucked you in bed at the end of the day on June 29, 2008, I kissed your frosting-scented cheeks and thanked God for your AMAZING life. God has SUCH great plans for you, and I am so BLESSED to be your mommy. I also thanked God for your birth mom and her courage to give you everything she never could. As I rocked you and prayed, this thought came into my mind... "Precious daughter from a distant land... brought to us by the Father's hand". It's true, Bella. God hand-picked YOU. You are special and important and LOVED BEYOND WORDS. Happy 1st birthday, Bellagirl! I love you!!!

Love,

Mom

21 comments:

Kim said...

That party looks like a BLAST! The food looks so yummy too! What a wonderful idea!

Courtney said...

Mommy knows how to throw a party!!!! Bella Baby looks like a princess!!! I seriously sometimes thinks she looks a little like Stella. I love the cake! The tortilla toss....great idea and loving all her clothes.........You so deserved a girl !!!!!! Courtney

Cheri said...

I am so happy to see the beautiful pictures! Bella and Malaena-Sloan favor each other a lot (my husband even thinks so.) You and I also have very similar tastes! I bought Malae's birthday tutu and hat Friday and look very much like Bella's! Would you share your Guatemala recipes? If you ever have time, of course! cherifortner@hotmail.com! Thanks.

Anonymous said...

I just love to look at the pictures you post. I check almost every day.
I have two boys also and I know that when I finally get Olivia home, I'm going to be "foo foo" too!
Bella is beautiful and obviously thriving in your beautiful family.
Keep posting!
Jennifer
www.adoptingbambina.com

Suzanne said...

I check your blog almost everyday and these 3 week brakes in between posts are killing me. Bella looked like she had a beautiful party. I loved all your great party ideas.The lord has blessed you all.

P.s. I love Bellas tutu

Jaimee said...

OMGosh! Love those birthday pictures! Her outfits are just adorable and fit for the princess she is. She looks so happy, great job Mom, the party looks awesome!

-Jaimee

Gail said...

The party looked like a lot of fun. I loved your note to Bella. It brought tears to my eyes since my Johanna's 1st birthday is less than two weeks away.
We are very blessed Mommies!!
Gail

Gina & Tommy said...

Bella is a doll baby! She is such a happy baby too! Just adorable! Looks like the party was so much fun!

Love and Prayers,
Gina

McMurrays said...

What a fun party. Love the tortilla toss and the tutu!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
She is just gorgeous.
Darcy

demp5 said...

Stacy,
These pictures are wonderful! You did such a great job - maybe a little sideline - tutor and party planner :) You did Sandra proud; your guac looks perfect. Give that baby a squeeze for me.
Love,
Meghan

Laurie said...

What an awesome party. I love her birthday outfits, but the quote of a daughter from a distant land brings tears to my eyes. Isn't that so true. God just knows what child to put with what family perfectly!

Susie said...

Wow, BELLA GIRL, I know the treasure you are to your family. Your face is priceless and it has been a joy to watch you grow and prosper in your family. God is so good. The journey got long, but God in his perfect faithfulness has more than made up for it. Love to see all those smiling faces. Blessings Stacy, Susie

Robyn said...

What a wonderful party!! Bella is absolutely beautiful!!

Robyn

Cheri said...

The party looks awesome. What a beautiful little girl and I LOVE her party hat and tutu!!! How cute! Do you mind sharing the recipes for what you made?

Heidi said...

Wow, what a fun party! Happy Birthday Bella! You look like a baby doll in your tutu and hat!

David and Marianne said...

What a doll... and what an amazing party!! Thanks for sharing your fun pictures! Wish I knew how to make "Guatemalan" food : ) Maybe you could share some recipes on a post sometime!

Joanna said...

WOW! Those pictures are just awesome!! She is so cute in her Ms. June onesie!!!

Joanna said...

WOW! Those pictures are just awesome!! She is so cute in her Ms. June onesie!!!

Shannon said...

What a party!!! She looked to precious in her hot pink dress. I love her chunky little legs! What a huge blessings she is and how blessed she is to have such a wonderful family who treasures her...a party fit for a princess!

Blessings,
Shannon *Emeline's mommy*

Amanda said...

Stacy,
I could EAT her!! She is more precious and sillier every day, it seems. Please kiss her for me.

Love,
Amanda and Gabi

Jessica said...

Hi. I was doing a google search to find a birthday hat for my soon to be 1 year old daughter and I somehow stumbled upon your blog. I hope you don't mind but I looked through your photos and read what you wrote to your daughter. I just wanted to tell you how sweet I thought it was. Tears came to my eyes and I felt like I wanted to go upstairs and hug my sleeping baby. I also thought of my niece who is adopted from Guatemala. She is such a sweet and beautiful little girl. Thank you for posting your daughter's pictures and for your words. God bless you and your family. -Jessica