Mae's 2nd Birthday Party

We celebrated Mae's 2nd Birthday as per tradition... on Kentucky Derby Day!

See last year's party here! :) And see below for lots of photos from the fun celebration!

Mae First Birthday Photos

Yay!! Last month Mae had her first birthday pictures taken by our photographer Amy, who has taken ALL of the girls' photos. I know I'm biased, but I think they're adorable. Here are just a few!

Kentucky Derby First Birthday Party

Last weekend we celebrated Mae's First Birthday (see photos of her month by month growth here) with a Kentucky Derby themed party. I knew that sitting in the hospital bed last year, holding my precious newborn baby girl who was just hours old, drinking a mint julep (in a styrofoam hospital cup with crushed ice) that "Derby Day Mae" would celebrate her FIRST birthday with a Derby party. Fate. Destiny. Whatever you call it... it was meant to be. :) Also, Mr. Evans went to the Derby a few years ago and we've loved the tradition since we were dating so what better time to host a party with friends and family. I think everyone had a great time (especially the winners of our horse betting contest)!

Here's a little recap (with tons of photos) from the fun day!

She's ONE!!!

Kentucky Derby printable set purchased on Etsy here (included banner, food labels, invite, etc.)

Hat via Etsy/Dainty Couture 

Horse Jockey Garland (free printable!) via Flair Exchange

Mr. Evans had to do circus baby!! :)

Mint Juleps in our signature Pewter cups!

The kiddos played Pin the Bow on the Pony. My in-laws designed and printed this as a poster! I didn't get a good pic of everyone playing, but you get the gist. :)

A few ladies and their hats... :)

My Aunt made her hat! Don't you just love the saying! Hehe!

The menu included:
Burgers with Kentucky Bourbon Caramelized Onions on Ciabatta Rolls
Baked Beans, Fruit Salad, Potato Salad, Kale Salad, Veggies (aka "Horse Treats")
Southern Pecan Pies
"Run for the Roses" Cupcakes
Junior "Mint Juleps" (aka Junior Mints)
Mint Juleps (be sure to make mint simple syrup and have crushed ice... we purchased bags of ice at Sonic!)

P.S. Nina's first birthday party blog post is here (pink + yellow themed)!

Mae - 11 Months

Ahhhhh - she is 11 months already! What?!!!! She is still my little baby and I canNOT believe she's almost 1. Although I'm sure she'll always feel like a baby to me because she's MY little baby, right mommas? Mae Frances is the best thing ever and I savor the moments I can still cuddle with her at night when she falls asleep in my arms. Before long she'll be clamoring to keep up with her big sister, learning to be independent and growing leaps and bounds into a kind and beautiful little girl... (insert crying emoji here)...!!

Mae - 10 Months

As of last week, Mae is officially 10 months old! I'm in denial actually... don't grow up, Mae Mae!! :) She finally has enough hair to do a teeny tiny little pony on the top of her head, so I took advantage and plopped a bow right in its spot. We love you Mae Frances! You are the best!

Nine Months - Mae

Little Mae Mae is nine months! Yay! She is a little peanut and doesn't seem to be putting on any weight! She eats and eats, but I wonder where it goes? :) Her gummy smile warms our hearts and, as always, her sweet disposition is my joy. We love you Mae Frances!!!!!!!!!!

Mae - 8 Months

Can you believe it? My littlest girl is 8 months old. :) Isn't she the sweetest? She loves crawling (or at least trying to), saying mama, learning to eat more solid type foods, jumping up and down, and is still attempting to get teeth. Soon. We hope. This whole teething thing is new for me as Nina NEVER made a peep when it came to teeth. I'm sure Mae's will be the same I hope! :) She's doing great so far!

Mae - 7 Months

Our little Mae is now seven months old!! She's finally starting to fill out (I love those baby rolls) and enjoys doing "Circus Baby" with her daddy. Mae is also a delight at dinner parties (evidence here). :) She LOVES playing with Nina -- those two are going to be trouble I tell you. Happy 7 Months, Mae Mae. We love you so so so so much.