Birthday Blues

It's the eve of my 26th birthday.


My birthday has always been a big deal to me. My mom made each one special, so I've always had huge anticipation every year for my birthday. But each year that I age more and more into adulthood, with marriage and children filling my life, I realize that birthdays just aren't the same.

Several things in life are overshadowing my birthday this year, and honestly I'm bummed. Of course, I knew a while ago that my birthday was on a Sunday, which is the busiest day of the week for us since my husband's a pastor. Add also that it's the Superbowl which will be spent at a youth party I'll stay for half of because I have to come home to get the kids to bed. My husband is a week away from a missions trip he's taking to Africa, we just had an emotional week of making some difficult financial decisions, and our home is really chaotic right now with a newborn... Life is just happening... So there probably won't be any celebration tomorrow, and I'm pretty bummed.

I talked to a friend and my mom about it today, and it seems to be something that must be universal for moms? So now I find myself at a point where I'm trying to figure out how to lower my somewhat childish expectations for my birthday every year while still looking forward to it without being disappointed. This being an adult thing isn't always fun.

My mom said that for her birthday one year, she woke up early and went shopping for some new clothes as a treat for herself. So it just got me thinking about what things I could do every year to make it special...

But as I look at our crazy life, I realize that I have some pretty amazing gifts (besides my Kindle! Thanks, Babe!). Two beautiful children, an amazing husband, the Lord's constant provision and blessing, my salvation, and all the years of family memories to look forward to... Who can complain? I'm beyond thankful!

So tomorrow, I'll work to combat disappointment by seeing all the everyday things in my life as my birthday gifts. I will celebrate them! To recognize and celebrate a birthday is to celebrate a life... And my life is full to overflowing with gifts. I will celebrate my life by celebrating all that my life is filled with!

Now I'm off to make my birthday cake! ;)

Titus's 2nd Birthday Celebration

Last weekend we celebrated Titus’ 2^nd birthday! It was so exciting as a parent to see how much fun he was having on his big day (as opposed to being oblivious like he was on his first birthday)! Every time he was asked how old he was, he actually answered, “I two!!!” SO cute! And he has this adorable way of holding his fingers up to indicate his age- two index fingers! We had a little party with family the night of his birthday and he had an absolute blast!

I've loved reflecting back on his first birthday and on this past year, as I see how much he's grown, changed, and developed more into the person he was created to be! I love him more every day! It was such an honor to celebrate his life and remember what a blessing from the Lord he is! Here are some pictures of the celebration!

                                                     Good Morning, Birthday Boy!

All ready for the day! First we went to MOPS and played with friends! He's in the big boy class now, so he got to make a craft, color and hear a story!

After his nap, we headed to Grandma's house, who was hosting the big party that night! With the baby coming, I wanted to make the party as simple as possible, which included involving others' help! I chose to do a Cars theme, which seemed to revolve around Disney Cars. Like Laura, I'm not a big fan of character themed parties, but I knew Titus would love it, and I was went pretty basic with it! I decorated mostly with Reds and Blues, and threw in a little of the Cars theme here and there. The cupcake tower was my main tie to the theme. I made the little toppers out of Cars stickers, cardstock and toothpicks. The main topper was designed and printed by Tim. I loved that when I finished it, it looked like a billboard. I had a table of desserts and drinks (cupcakes, mint brownies and plate of cookies a grandma brought) and then the island was filled with lots of yummy appetizers my mother in law made or had others bring.

 

Ready to party! :) 

I also had Laura make Titus a shirt to fit theme! I loved that he matched his party! Thanks, Laura!

 

The birthday boys! (Tim's was the day before!)

 

 He knew just what to do with the presents this year! He didn't need an coaxing from Mama! :) I loved to see his excitement!

And of course, he got the Cars 2 movie from Grandma! :) (Along with LOTS of other Cars gifts!!!)

Little boys + balloons + grandpas = GREAT FUN!

We practiced blowing out matches, so that he would successfully blow out his candles! And he did amazing! :) So proud!

Yay for using forks now! :)

A not-so-great picture of our family! :) Happy Birthday, Titus!

Elissa's 2nd Birthday Celebration!

I can't believe my baby girl is 2 years old now.  We celebrated her birthday over the weekend, with a house full of family.  It was a wonderful and special day.  I spend alot of time reflecting in the days before my children's birthday, about all the ways they've grown and changed in the past year.  I tend to look through old baby photos and blubber and cry about how tiny and sweet they were.  And I repeat over and over to my husband, "I can't believe she's turning 2!" 

I caught a photo of her first thing in the morning.  She was waiting patiently  in her room for the rest of the household to wake up, with an armload of blankies and stuffed animals.  We dressed her in her favorite Cinderella shirt and headed to a local craft fair that morning, where she happened to throw the worst temper tantrum I've seen from her yet (Welcome to 2!).

I typically prefer to not do a character themed birthday party, but it just seems that children at this age, have suddenly become attached to some iconic character.  Elissa loves Cinderella, she adoringly refers to her as "Lella".  She requests to watch her movie daily.  So I knew nothing would bring a bigger smile to her face, than to throw her a birthday party with Cinderella's image plastered everywhere.  

I did a buffet style dinner, since I didn't have enough room at the table for a more formal sit down dinner.  I served Chicken Salad croissants and Egg Salad croissants.

Veggies and my mom's delicious veggie dip.   I served up the veggie dip in a pumpkin, hoping it would remind them of Cinderella's stage coach from a pumpkin, in the movie.  If I hadn't been so short on time I would have added wheels and carved a window.

A fruit platter with the tastiest (and easiest) fruit dip, was also on the menu, as well as Cheesy Potatoes. Yum!

The girl had quite the stash of presents!  

The very first gift she opened was her Pottery Barn chair!  I love these chairs! But I was even more excited that I didn't buy it at Pottery Barn and found it for about half the price!  Score!  She loved it and sat in it while she opened all the rest of her gifts.

It was great fun to see her really ripping into the gifts with excitement this year.  And even more fun to watch her girly reaction to all the girly gifts she received.  Growing up with an older brother, she can certainly hold her own and be pretty rough and tumble.  So when I see that "girliness" in her, it's extra fun.  I forget some days how much she loves her jewelry and purses, and shoes and tutus. 

Her favorite gift was by far the Cinderella doll my mother and father bought her. She immediately grabbed her blanky and wrapped her up in it.  

I also purchased this sweet little jewelry box for her from this Etsy shop.  It's personalized with her name on the lid and all hand painted.  A special place to store her treasures.  She's so fascinated with the twirling ballerina.

And ofcourse, we finished up the evening by singing Happy Birthday to her and eating some yummy Cinderella cake.  Elissa had the time of her life and I enjoyed every minute, watching my 2 year old.

Happy Birthday to my sweet, funny, happy, beautiful and sassy little girl!  

Birthday Weekend + a big SALE

So our babies, the inspiration for our business, are turning 2 this weekend!
It's hard to believe they can be that old already! Titus and Elissa have brought Laura and I so much joy as moms, and they are going to be a great big brother and big sister to each of their siblings on the way! :) Here's a few pictures and memories from the past two years... {Plus scroll all the way down for a 20% off coupon code to our shop!}

Titus was born on Nov 4 and Elissa was born on Nov 5! Laura and I were only acquaintances at the time, but had a mutual friend that kept us up on each others' pregnancies! Laura had a difficult pregnancy and went overdue with Elissa. I remember feeling bad that I'd had Titus so early when she was struggling so much! She remembers being a little jealous! :) Once our babies were born, we both started sewing and crafting for our little bundles of joy, and about 6 months later Laura started The Blue Ladybug, then I quickly joined her, and the rest is history!

Elissa Lorraine

Titus Remington

9 months old- at the zoo!


 It's been exciting to see both kids grow these past 2 years! They have embraced toddlerhood to the fullest- including all that attitude! :) It’s amazing to see how much they’ve changed in the past year! They’re so much more fun, even despite all the tantrums! :) I’m planning a Cars themed party this weekend for Titus with our family, and I believe Laura will be throwing a Cinderella party for one excited little girl! We’ll be sure to post pictures!

Elissa turns 1!





Titus turns 1!

Want to read about how The Blue Ladybug began?

{Read Mary Beth's story here, and Laura's story here}

Also, you can read more about Titus and Elissa here!

So to celebrate our babies' 2nd birthdays, we are having a BIG weekend sale!

Enter birthday20 for a whopping 20% off everything in the shop!

This is a great chance to pick up some last minute Fall outfits, or get Christmas outfits for those family photos at an all-time low price!

Also, it's a perfect time to work on some Christmas shopping!

The sale starts tomorrow morning bright and early (6am EST) and will run through midnight on Sunday.

Head over to the shop today to browse what you might want to use the coupon code for!

Shop: http://www.theblueladybug.com/

Let me also encourage you to

SHOP LOCAL*SHOP HANDMADE

this Holiday season!

Happy Birthday, Titus & Elissa!

Reminiscing... {And Giveaways}!

Just one short year ago, The Blue Ladybug was born.  Little did I know how quickly she would grow, or what she would really become.

The month of March last year, was full of dreaming and planning of the items that I would put in the shop, what I would name the shop and preparing to open my Etsy shop.  March 20th, 2010, late at night, I officially signed up on Etsy, created the policies and announcements and clearly remember listing my very first item; a tutu.  Yes, The Blue Ladybug was originally full of tutus, hairbows and Ladybug Legs (leg warmers), with a few pillowcase dresses.  I remembering selling the first item, a Kufi hat with flower clip, and the excitement I felt.

I had mulled for weeks before, over what name to call the shop.  I had originally planned on something girly and sweet, "Playing Princesses".  I was selling tutus and hairbows after all.  But I had this nagging feeling that the future of my little shop could one day carry items for little boys as well.  So it was back to the drawing board for a name.  It struck me at the doctors office one afternoon, as I watched my then, 4 month old daughter, play with her favorite car seat toy, an Eric Carle Grouchy Ladybug.  And it just so happened to be that my son's favorite color at the time was blue.  So The Blue Ladybug was born.  I sure was glad that I had chosen a name that was gender neutral, as a mere month later MaryBeth joined me, bringing her super cute boy's tie shirts and pacifier clips.

First tutu

First Pillowcase dress

It wasn't until July, that we listed our very first matching Brother Sister Set.  It has since then, been our most popular item in the shop.  I love how it brings both of our talents together in one item, for boys and girls.

You can read more on how The Blue Ladybug began here.

To celebrate our birthday week and say "thank you" to all of our fabulous fans and customers, we are giving away some great handmade items, every day (Monday - Friday).  Starting tomorrow morning, you can enter to win. Everyday there will be a new giveaway, but giveaways will remain open until Friday night at Midnight.  Please only enter for each item once.   Winners will be announced Saturday.

One Year Old! Celebration Discount

Our babies are 1 today (and tomorrow)!!!

Perhaps you've heard the story before, but if you're just joining us, I'll fill you in quickly.   Titus, Marybeth's son was born November 4th, on Elissa's due date.  Elissa, my daughter, was born the day after on November 5th.  We knew each other through a mutual friend and had heard about each other's pregnancies through our friend.    The events of a this day a year ago, are swarming through my head today.  I remember hearing that Marybeth was in labor.  I won't lie, I was slightly...okay...alot jealous.  I was miserable (who isn't at the end of pregnancy) and I wanted to meet my daughter.  But I was anxiously waiting, to hear of when her first child would be born, and if she had given birth to a boy or girl, since they had kept it a surprise.  Little did I know, that Elissa was coming the very next day!   If it weren't for these two little bundles of joy, there would be no Blue Ladybug.  They are our inspiration.  They are the reason we are here right now!

Look at this sweet photo of newborn little Titus!  I love this photo of him.

And here's a newborn photo of Elissa.  My little angel.

I try so hard not to get emotional when I look at their photos.  But I think the first birthday is always so bittersweet.  It's so amazing to see these photos taken just about a year ago, and then to look at them now.... I can hardly believe they have grown and changed so much in such a short time.  I long to snuggle that newborn sweetness for just a moment longer (it always goes by too quickly), and yet, I can't help but smile at all the new things they are learning and developing, how they're personalities are breaking through.  One is so much fun!

I love how Titus and Elissa are always so excited to see each other.  To hear their giggles, you'd think they'd been friends since before the womb.  They have a special connection.  

We're celebrating these two little ones all weekend long.  They are such a gift and joy from the Lord.  So in honor of their birthdays we're offering 10% off EVERYTHING today through Sunday.  So run over the The Blue Ladybug Children's Boutique and the The Blue Ladybug Bowtique  and grab your favorites.

Just enter code: "1birthday"  when checking out, in the Notes section and we'll refund you your 10% off via paypal in 24-48 hours.  

Happy Birthday Titus Remington and Elissa Lorraine!

~Laura