Help me word this invite

[Peony]

First off I'm not a B-Day person, B-Days in my house are very low key, DD1 never had a 1st B-Day party. DD2 is turning 1 this month, and I want a party! It's more then a 1st B-Day party, we've had a very rough year with DD2, it's been long. We've had many people help us out, bring meals, taking my DD1 since I was housebound with DD2, even just calling and checking on how I was doing. : I want to thank all these people and show off my now huge girl. Gifts are not welcome, and I know these people, there will only be one family that will bring a gift anyway.

So how do I word the invite? To me it's just not a 1st B-Day, but a gathering of...well I don't know, that's why I need help!

[embers]

A Party to Celebrate Friends and Family!

On the first year anniversary of the day our child, ____, was born
We invite you to celebrate with us
Friends and Family - Life and Love!

Since _______'s birth, we have had many people help and support our family. Some brought meals, some helped with ______ (DD1) while we were housebound, and some supported us with phone calls and strong friendship in our weaker times. On ________'s first birthday, I want to thank all of you and "show off" how well ______ is doing.

Party Date:
Party Time:
Party Location:

Wrapped present and "birthday gifts" are not appropraite for to the theme of this party and we ask that you refrain from bringing them. Instead, please consider bringing a "pot luck" dish to share and a written blessing, memory, or sentiment for us to put in DD2's book (or something like this - depending on what works best for your family or if you have any other creative ideas ... remember, people LIKE to give, and if you do not want to do presents, consider redirecting that desire in another direction)

[tm2840]

IMO your post was great in describing WHY you want to have a party. If it's an informal group of friends, that's good enough!

Of course I've thrown a "Quitcher-bitchin" party before too. So I may not be the one to ask!

We don't do birthday gifts, and the phrase that works on our invites is "Your presence is OUR present; no gifts please!"