We celebrated Ezra’s 1st Birthday on Saturday. I definitely went more low-key this time than I did with Ella’s first birthday. When she turned one, my mom and I bought tons of pink “1st Birthday” decorations and I agonized over every little detail. This time, it was just as important for the party to be special, but I realized that perhaps I worry to much about those “perfect photo” moments. Truth is, Ezra wants mom and dad’s time and attention more than he wants an elaborate party, so I tried to keep that in mind.
I wanted our little guy to have a special first cake and I played around with a few ideas. I considered a mini Tigger cake using a pan my mom gave me, but decorating it seemed challenging. I considered doing an animal face cake like I did for Ella’s 2nd, but I didn’t want baby to have access to all that candy. Ultimately, I decided to do a cupcake balloon bouquet cake, with a plan to make Ezra a mini-cake. I had a Curious George “Happy Birthday” sign, so I decided to add a George onto our balloon bouquet. I wish he was to scale, but I still thought it was a fun touch!
When the mini cake didn’t meet my standards, my husband suggested just giving baby a cupcake. I ultimately liked this idea because we don’t really give our kids sugar at all, not even juice, before they’re one. A cake for baby – even a small one – is sure to be a sugar shock. In fact, we actually made Ella angel food cake with whip cream and fresh blueberries (guests could choose their fruit) for this reason. I feel like I’ve gone downhill a bit as a mom not doing the same now, but I gave him a cupcake anyway.
Ezra had a terrific time at his party, although he looked a bit confused and overwhelmed at times. We invited a few families and they were so gracious about the tight space for so many friends. I worried that it might be too many people for an indoor party, but I wanted all of these families to be a part of Ezra’s special day, so we just squeezed in and had a great time!
The big kids all had a great time playing with the party balloons and “helping” Ezra open his gifts.
Oh Mindy! How perfect! I love the balloons/cupcakes. And he is such a little cutie. It looks like he loved every minute of it!
p.s. even now (at 4) I water down my kids’ juice. they mostly have water and milk.
The monkey with the balloon cupcakes is a great idea!
LOVE the Melissa and Doug barn puzzle. That is my 1st birthday gift choice for all babies turning 1!!!!
Looks like he enjoyed his cupcake too!!!!