Putting together J’s birthday party has me thinking of last year’s birthday party. The theme was Wild & One and he definitely fulfilled it. I absolutely loved how everything turned out. With a lot of planning, DIY’s, and the help of our tribe, it was an overall perfect birthday party for our big boy. I put together a few favorite pictures and memories to share with you. I hope you enjoy this little flashback, as I’m holding back the tears just looking at them. Where does the time go?

What is a 1st birthday party without a smash cake photo session?! J never had sweets before his smash cake. And to be honest, he was very hesitant at first. Eventually he went in, smiling his way through his first sugar rush.

For J’s party I did a lot of DIYs. I really enjoyed creating such fun and memorable things. I purchased many of them from Hobby Lobby, and a few from Etsy. A big thank you to my tribe for helping me out with the little things. All I had to do was explain what I was wanting/thinking and they delivered. One put together some little head bands for all the kiddos, having a special one for Jermaine. Another put together a sign for everyone to write on, we later hung in his playroom. It has the verse:

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.  -Psalm 127:4

This is the table where everyone placed his gifts. I ordered the signs for his playroom on Etsy. The name blocks were a gift from his Godmother, and the sign was handmade by the same talented friend who put the headbands together.

The party was at 2:30 last year, so we just had finger foods. I lined up the food, buffet style. We served a cheese and veggie tray for the adults, and I cut out some teepee sandwiches for the kiddos. The sides were gold fish, trail mix, and fruit kabobs. I put Jermaine’s 1-12 month photos above it so people could see them as they got their food.

My favorite part was seeing Jermaine eat his way into one. He loved the cake! We didn’t let him eat too much, so he got just the right amount of sweets in him.

The party favors were one of my favorite parts. They turned out so cute and very well liked by the guests. I put together refrigerator magnets and some take home s’mores.

Jermaine’s first birthday party was a celebration of many firsts. Capturing them and now sharing them, it’s remarkable to see how much he has changed. Even as parents, we have grown in every way. As the days get closer to his second year here, I cannot help but to be grateful for this past year.