One Sweet Birthday {Sponsored}

I’ve been planning my baby’s first birthday on Pinterest for months. Yup, I’m one of those people.

What is the most important part of a birthday?  The cake! Or cupcake!!!

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For the first birthday, baby’s face, fingers, even toes should end up covered in frosting {Just my opinion!} And of course you need photographic evidence of the adorable event.

I’m a little obsessed with taking pictures of my kids. Occasionally my husband gives me that look and says, “Can’t you put the camera down?”

I decided for my little one’s first birthday pictures, that I would put the camera down. Then I called Robyn from Ruby Ellen Photography, {whom I met through ICMB at the very first Moms Night Out actually!} to set up a birthday session.

She suggested doing a “Sweet Session” at Molly’s Cupcakes/Yotopia in North Liberty.  I said, “Perfect! That’s my favorite place!”

In preparation for the birthday photographs, I looked through my Pinterest boards to figure out what style of pictures I was going for.

I love photographs that are simple.  Props can be too distracting.  And for a cake smash, the less clothes the better!  A chubby baby in just a diaper cover is the cutest thing ever.

Cute boys diaper covers are a bit hard to find.  {Girls have it soooo easy!}  I just wanted a simple white cover, so I ordered a BumGenius cloth diaper.  It worked perfect and there are serveral brands and colors available in cloth diapers.

To shop local for your birthday outfits, check out Itsy Bitsy in North Liberty.  Among other adorable kids clothing, they carry Rugged Butts {for boys} and Ruffle Butts {for girls}.  We’re talking seriously cute stuff here!

On picture day, I packed a bag with the outfits, extra change of clothes, wipes, a birthday candle, a bag for dirty clothes, favorite squeaky toy {to encourage smiles if necessary}, plus all the regular diaper bag stuff.

I suggest trying on outfits ahead of time to make sure everything fits.  I did this, except for the shoes.  I found out at the session that his shoes are too small.  Which is why he’s in socks for the “before” pictures.  {Oops!}

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For me, these photos are a celebration of my baby’s first year.  So it was ok that we took them a few weeks ahead of his birthday, when it worked out well for our schedules.  I also left my husband and 3.5 year old at home.  We can all celebrate together on our baby’s actual birthday and I won’t need to be camera crazy.  {Well, maybe just a little.}

And I have to tell you, just the baby and I with Robyn was the best decision.  This photo session was the easiest one I’ve ever lived through.  {Seriously, I’ve been sweating my behind off during several others!}

I am thrilled with how the photographs turned out! Robyn captured all the cute moments, like when he reached out for the cupcake with both hands…

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Tasting the yummy frosting…

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And when he was examining his blue sticky fingers!

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This session was really more of a “frosting taste” than a cake smash! But either way, it was adorable!

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And we finished with a happy dance!

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A big HUGE thanks to Robyn for the amazing job she did!  Plus, she is super sweet and easy to work with!  She even took care of ordering the special cupcake I requested.

And thank you Molly’s Cupcakes and Yotopia for allowing the photo session at your North Liberty location, which saved me from having to clean my house for the occasion!  Also, your cupcakes and froyo are delicious!  {My faves!!}

I’m already thinking a 4-year-old birthday session in May with the whole family sounds like a pretty sweet idea!

Since I wasn’t the mom behind the camera, I actually got to enjoy watching my baby touch, taste and get all messy with frosting!  Happy Birthday to my sweet little one!

{Photo Credit – Ruby Ellen Photography}

*****In the spirit of Birthdays, we have a SURPRISE for YOU!!!*****

Stay tuned to ICMB on Facebook this afternoon!  We have a special announcement that you won’t want to miss!

 

 

As part of this {sponsored} post and giveaway, we received something of value to write it and share it on the Iowa City Moms Blog.  That being said, all the opinions and statements in this post are my own and true!

 

Shari
Shari is a stay-at-home mom who lives in Cedar Rapids with her husband Mark, 2 boys and a pug named Yoda. Her toddler and preschool age boys keep her very busy. She loves warm Iowa days for playing outside with her family. In her "spare time" Shari enjoys quiet activities like crafting, browsing Pinterest, learning photography, creating family photo books and watching favorite shows with her husband. She also loves Iowa City Moms Blog and her MOPS group for the connections with other mommies!

3 COMMENTS

  1. Wonderful photos of my grandson!! Time was captured very well in these precious pictures! Bryce did great!! I ‘m surprised that he didn’t go for the whole cupcake. That blue frosting got his attention!! Made my day!!! 🙂 <3

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