This is Two: A Quarantine Birthday

June 12, 2020 Leah Rosenfeld

I took the day off of work to celebrate my best girl with visits from family and what a wonderful, sunny day it was - a needed bit of lightness after heavy few weeks - filled with happiness, family visits, sparkles and LOTS of pink. And gratitude.

I wanted to share a letter for my beautiful girl on her second birthday and some fun party photos…

My dear, my world.

It often does not feel real that you are mine. That I am a mommy to such a bubbly, endlessly happy, giggly, silly, charming, bossy, sassy, sensitive, smart, sweet, chatty and beautiful girl who surprises us daily and brings everyone abundant joy.

Two years ago you barreled into this world - with daddy speeding down the highway shoulder in Chicago’s Friday rush hour traffic and being stopped by the police as you were determined to arrive promptly on your due date. And that you did - 06.08.2018 - and we were blessed with a healthy blue-eyed redhead girl (surprise!) who was perfect.

Fast forward two years, you:

-Adore and worship your brother, always asking where he is, what he is doing

-Are a champion sleeper - thank goodness - with us having to wake you up sometimes by noon! (Though I have an inkling that you typically wake up in your crib around 9 a.m. and play quietly with friends, and likely then doze off.)

-Are often the happiest when at the kitchen table with your food and take it very seriously (and are hopeful that your peanut and egg allergies have reduced in severity; to be unveiled at an upcoming overdue allergist appointment)

-Speak in full sentences, can say the alphabet, count to ten and beyond and surprise us with lines like “It’s so sunny outside,” “I want to go to Ian and Alex’s house today and play”

-Wag your pointer finger when you don’t like something; “uh-uh, Momma” and also proclaim “stop copying me” when I repeat a word (which is usually to confirm what you are saying)

-Love looking at pictures and videos of yourself and your brother; studying them and absorbing them intently

-Understand when you need to go potty and let us know when you need to poop (though we haven’t fully committed to potty training… as mommy and daddy simply aren’t willing to add this task during quarantine with two working parents with no childcare the past three months)

-Love to dance, wiggle and run to where you are going and raise both hands enthusiastically when you want to do or want something

On this birthday, sweet girl, I hope it was everything “Minnie” that you wanted. We love you endlessly. And are excited to see you grow into a kind, inclusive girl.

Below are some photos of your happy day. (And mom tip: a helium tank is a worthwhile investment!)

ONEderland First Birthday

July 3, 2019 Leah Rosenfeld

I love a good party. I love crafts. I love to create. I’d like to think I have a good eye for design, it’s some of what I studied in college (and, hello, AP Studio Art in high school). I catch myself in a happy place when I’m creating, when ideas pop into my head and I put my hands into action. So it makes sense that I love designing events.

I was excited to put together a party for my sweet daughter’s first birthday at our home. My husband firmly directed that we, ahem, I, to not put on such an extravaganza as we had for our son’s “Hole-in-ONE” Masters-themed first birthday at a cool West Loop (Chicago) restaurant with open bar. Photo below.

With a now three-year-old, full-time job, commuting to the city, schedules, other household needs, yadda yadda it was a challenge to get everything done. Sure, I would have liked to have a few more things come to life, but I think it turned out pretty sweet. And I was grateful for some work PTO to get errands done!

My daughter’s room is a mix of Alice-in-Wonderland-meets-Secret-Garden with whimsy elements, blush tones, rich greens a special Alice in Wonderland vintage book (proudly on display from my late grandfather!), drawings and trinkets. This influenced the “Sydney’s ONEderland” theme - and, hey, it’s a bonus to use and repurpose party items permanently in her room.

I am a big Disney lover but the pink striped Cheshire Cat movie creative wasn’t what I had in mind. So I went down the Pinterest hole and scoured Etsy shops and found some perfect Alice-party brands and decor that fit my vision.

Now, for a first birthday, one must have an optimal photo area for the “first cake.” I had something in mind and nothing that a few trips to craft stores couldn’t solve. The “grass” background, oversized blooming flowers, garden decor, paired with the vintage Alice images and custom Sydney golden wooden whimsy-lettered sign (found on Etsy here) was the perfect backdrop.

The cupcake stand with favorites from a local shop (Baker Boys in Ravinia District) of vanilla with rainbow sprinkles and black and white frosting atop banana chocolate chip cupcakes turned out as a perfect scrumptious display. More cupcakes with the known “eat me” in gold glitter with pink ribbons were a great topper.

With an Alice theme, had to infuse tea party elements into the display table and found some darling succulent-filled gold and mixed-pattered teacups as accessories.

You can’t forget the Mad Hatter, so I tapped my father-in-laws’ calligraphy skills for the “In This Style 10/6” top hat note. I paired some fitting colored sashes around the top hat thanks to an afternoon fabric department spree, full of ribbons and tulle that I hand-picked for her “high chair” banner — of warm pinks, white blue, and checkered tones and a golden “one” overlay. Want a mom hack?! Depending on your high chair brand, use tiny Command hooks and strategically put them under the table portion. The weight of string banner will push forward and stay generally well (better than tape, I think).

Check out more photos below of the party details.