Harry’s Buzz Lightyear Birthday

Balloons: Pop Fort Worth | Cake: Bread and Buttercream | Buzz Candy Board: The Art of Grazing | Buzz Garland: Mi Amiga Designs | Cups & Confetti: Peony & Confetti Co | Party Favor Boxes: Etsy | Invitations and Signage: Kirsten McFarlan Designs | Plates: Amazon | Toy Story Utensil Holders: Etsy | Chip Holders: Etsy | Party Favor Glasses: Etsy | Party Favor Play-Doh: Etsy | Photography: Madi Grace Photography | Coverup: Anthropologie

After our trip to Disneyland, we were able to keep the celebrations going with Harry’s third birthday. We spent that Friday doing his favorite things: movie theater, eating grilled cheese poolside and playing with all the cars, Spiderman, and Buzz his heart desired. That Sunday, we threw him a swimming birthday party with a few friends at my parent’s house. I’m now going to want to do that forever on repeat because it was so enjoyable and my parent’s made it quite easy on me. We set up the decor, and my mom and dad made the most delicious spread of burgers, baked beans, and potato salad. It was the perfect way to celebrate our baby boy.

His birth seems like ages ago and I can’t quite grasp how our family was ever “our family” without him. Oh, how do I describe Harry! He’s tender, and more shy, a mama’s boy, and unbelievably affectionate. But he’s also got this fire inside of him, we joke it’s how he made it into this world. He’s so stubborn, he wasn’t going to let a broken placenta impact his entrance. My entire family laughs and says, “He’s Katey.” If you’ve been so kind enough as to make it this far reading about a toddler’s birthday, then you should know I’ve had to pause to wipe away all the tears, because I can’t even put into words my absolute love and adoration for him. He’s my soft spot. He protected us both. He makes me laugh harder each and every day. And he makes me realize what life is about.

My best friend Bekah sent me this quote on Instagram last night. It was about parenthood and I’m going to butcher it, but it really drove the point home that as a parent when you say, “Yes” to someone else, you’re saying, “No” to your children. One example was about arguing and how this comedian says that now that he has kids he has no time to argue with strangers, nor does he want to. This is what becoming a mom to Harry meant to me. Having Maxi, I became a mom, and my entire world and heart changed. Having Harry, I became a mom with a better grasp of reality. I didn’t have as much of a false sense of control. I knew I couldn’t do it all. And he made me really close my laptop, say, “No” to things, and realize that an afternoon well spent can be an afternoon watching Spiderman, and sharing a bag of Veggie Straws together.

Harry Hellman, we absolutely adore every single thing about you. We pray this next year you grow in every plan God has for you, and that you feel how loved you are each day. And I pray you CONTINUE to only get out of bed in the morning if you shout across the house “I need Mama to get me up!

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6 Comments

  1. Kimm wrote:

    Time
    Is such a thief and sometimes I find myself wondering what was even life before I had my children. Happy birthday Harry

    Published 20 Jun 23Reply
  2. Ana wrote:

    What a wonderful party! Happy birthday Harry!

    Published 20 Jun 23Reply
  3. Lara wrote:

    So sweet friend! Love all the little details. Would be so fun to get a little tour of Gigi’s house. 😉

    Published 20 Jun 23Reply
    • Katey wrote:

      I want her to do one so bad! I’m going to send her this comment to see if we can convince her. 😉

      Published 21 Jun 23Reply
  4. Courtney wrote:

    Yes to well spent afternoons! I had this realization when my little one asked me to cuddle and watch the lego movie. I was like absolutely, you got it! Were there a million things I needed to do that afternoon? Yes! Did I do the best thing I could do that afternoon? Yes! Harry’s party looks awesome and I read through your Disney post as we are contemplating Disney World (live in Florida) or Legoland for the next birthday.

    Published 21 Jun 23Reply
    • Katey wrote:

      Yes!! It just feels more fulfilling to meet their emotional needs than cross off the to-do list most days. So fun! World is next on our list and Maxi would just die to go to Legoland. You’ll have to let me know how it is! Thank you for reading. 🙂

      Published 21 Jun 23Reply