Picking out peacocks: A baby, a cupcake, a wagon and a whole lotta love

The pressure to make your child's birthday party an unforgettable extravaganza is out of this world. The lengths that some parents (ok, probably moms) go to is enough to make a humble homemade tissue-paper decorated party look like we're punishing our child. And that's exactly what Selah's party was like. Not the punishment part. But homemade tissue-paper decorations, oh yes. And I was darn proud of them.

I am not one to conform to the pressures our society puts on us moms to go to such lengths. And guess what. I love my child more than anyone could possibly fathom. Even if I don't buy her ponies and tiaras and rent out a reception hall. I may be stubborn in areas that cause tension unnecessarily but when it comes to saying to no to the pressures of society, I have no problem standing on my soap box and wearing a "Just say NO" sticker loud and proud.

Throwing an elaborate party for your child isn't wrong. Who's to say what's too elaborate? If you want to throw your child a grandiose party, more power to you. However, I know what I consider elaborate. And what may be innocent party planning at times, but for me, I'm not going to allow myself to be consumed by the competitive and outlandish world of pressure we mother tend to put on ourselves.

So instead of this (which is amazing and gorgeous and I'm sure daughter and mommy both loved every minute of this party) but we're just not that fancy around here.

We had a little party in our backyard with close family and friends who love our daughter and have witnessed her grow over the last year. Some may think even I went over the top for Selah's party. I know she won't remember it. But this was a special day and I wanted to make it nice and memorable, even if just for me. One day, Selah will be able to look at the pictures and watch the videos of her first birthday and she will see how excited we were to celebrate her! After all, it's a big accomplishment to make it through the first year! We SURVIVED!!! And we still want to keep her ;-)