We had Jo Jo’s first birthday party yesterday. It was a small affair, but still, I was wiped out after! My day started with picking up a cake (it was not specially made, I just had the bakery people write on it) and some pops, then going to my grandma’s to decorate. I removed a ton of stuff, including furniture and dishwasher, from her dining room, so that we could have a nice space for cake and present opening. I had some simple decorations and balloons in pink and green, with matching cake and hat. I made a banner that had a photo of her from each month, 1-12, and brought out her baby book so people could browse it and leave a first birthday note. I ordered pizza and sent some home with almost everyone, and I had wallet-sized photos from her first birthday photo shoot for people to take as well. Jo Jo wore a onesie with pink and green writing that says “It’s my first birthday”, a pink tutu made for her by a former nursing student of mine, and rainbow pants.
In the end, there were four less people than expected (due to a baby being born and some illnesses), but excepting those few people, everyone important turned out. Jo Jo got some great presents, but not too many, thankfully. Included was a miniature drum set, a baby doll (not a white one, for all politically correct reasons), books, a winter coat for next year, a tool set with a working toy drill, and a purse that talks and includes cell phone, keys, etc to put inside. There were other things, of course, but you get the idea.
The cake smash was a huge success. The appropriate amount of frosting-mess was made all over baby, and she even put her face directly in it a few times. I don’t think she’s ever had so much sugar at one time before. Jo Jo and her big cousin had a good time with balloons, but only after Jo Jo took a much-needed nap. She slept while my sister and I cleaned up, then the girls played with the new toys and balloons while we had tea/coffee. After my sister left it was definitely time for bed. So what if it wasn’t even dark yet!
I will be putting up faceless photos once I get them all gathered. It was a nice, quiet, simple party that included all the key American traditions of a first birthday.
Mother of All Things 