Zoe's First Birthday

The week leading up to Zoe's First Birthday celebration was actually a pretty emotional one.  I used it as a time of reflection (hence the three previous posts) but also a time to feel happy about having made it for a year!  There isn't much in life I do halfway - I'm either all in or all out.  And I've definitely been "all in" with Zoe.

I was somewhat anxious about the timing of the birthday - it fell during the local school systems' Spring Breaks, Easter Weekend, and the start of Passover.  But, I'm a big believer in doing things on the day they are supposed to happen so I forged ahead.

In an earlier post, I spoke about the planning for the event.  But now that the day was here, what happened?

Well, we actually have to start with the previous evening.  After I closed the store on Thursday, I hung up Zoe's First Birthday Banner.  I loved the bright pink!  Believe me when I tell you that you could see it FAR down the street!

It is too bad the window panes blocked the cute "1" candle but you could see it better from other angles.

Jim was traveling so I knew I was on my own for the icky stuff that I don't like doing (such as coolers and ice).  I got up early on Friday morning (Birthday Day!) and stopped by Safeway on my way to the store for ice.  I got the cooler set up and started chilling the Trader Joe's Sparkling Lemonade.  I rearranged the front table to prepare for the birthday displays.  And before I knew it, the first delivery arrived!

The delightful Emily and Tamara from Alexandria Cake Pop Company brought the beautiful displays of cake pops for Zoe's birthday.  They are always so happy and full of energy - it is infectious!  And, as I've mentioned on this blog before, their cake pops are DELICIOUS and beautiful.  Here is a picture of the ones they made for Zoe as well as a link to their blog post on Zoe's Birthday.

The cake pops were so popular that I had to save one for myself to make sure I got one!

While they were visiting with me, I got a call from The Enchanted Florist - could they bring down my deliveries?  Of course!  Within moments, I had the beautiful tabletop arrangement (a birthday gift from my mother) and a complimentary arrangement from my friend Michelle in NC (who could not come for the festivities).  How beautiful!

Zoe's Entry Table with the tabletop arrangement.  This was the morning of Day Two.  You can see the cake pops were disappearing rapidly!

Michelle had called The Enchanted Florist to ask if she could buy my main arrangement.  When they told her that it had already been purchased, they suggested she get a complimentary arrangement for the cash wrap!  It was so beautiful!

So much excitement to start the day and more to come!  I positioned the box of "Gift with Purchase" items next to the cash desk.  After lots of thought (and brainstorming with Intern Anna), I decided on BPA free water bottles.  So many of my customers learn about the store when they pass by during their exercise on the Mt. Vernon Bike Trail (which goes by the store on Union Street).  Plus, the beautiful Zoe Girl always has a water bottle in hand!  Why not feature her on one?

She was definitely a hit with customers!  

Before I knew it, Zoe's Aunts (Janice and Karen) arrived to celebrate her birthday.  They brought the pretty card pictured with Michelle's arrangement above!  We had such fun shopping together and another neighbor of theirs and her husband joined in the fun!  The afternoon flew by and Zoe's true First Birthday was complete!

Saturday kicked off another busy day with visits by so many of Zoe's friends!  Many of you who read the blog stopped in to see me and made the day even more special!  (And just think, you didn't have to endure any Chuckie Cheese pizza).  When the doors closed on Saturday, I spent about 40 minutes getting everything set up back in normal (non-birthday) state.  I would be closed on Sunday (for Easter) and on Monday and didn't want to leave the store in perpetual birthday mode during those two days.  

All I can say is "Wow".  I could not have asked for a nicer birthday for Zoe!  Thank you.

Next up:  Edison High School Fashion Marketing Visits Zoe