October 26, 2014

Jenson’s First Birthday Party

Jenson’s first birthday party was a great day! It was relaxed and casual, even if I was rushing to get everything done in time. Luckily my parents came the night before and my mom helped me with a bunch of stuff. I even left her a to-do list for when she woke up in the morning. I thought I was on top of things until the day before, of course. I also made WAY too much food. I didn’t really know exactly how many people were coming so I just guessed – and I always feel like people needs lots of options. I went with sort of a mexican food theme…taco shells and little Doritos bags to make “redneck nachos” with beef filling, chicken taco filling, beans and rice, chipotle corn salsa, queso, buffalo chicken dip, and lots of other snacks. I didn’t get a picture of the spread. And birthday cake of course. I just ordered a Giant Eagle cake for guests and made Jenson a little sugar-free smash cake.

We didn’t have a theme for the party – I just used bright primary colors. No need to go crazy with things that he doesn’t even know are happening. We tried to keep our guest list small as to not overwhelm him – just invited immediate family and close friends who see him a lot. I wanted it to be his favorite people. When my sisters, nieces, and nephew got there shortly before the party, I put them to work with the decorations and helping to set out food. I stole the idea of hanging clothes from each month along with a monthly photo from a friend of mine – she did it at her son’s first birthday party and it was so adorable to see how much he grew and changed over the year. I also put out a small album with two pictures from each week, including his weekly picture.

The weather was really nice that day – slight chill, but not too bad, so we knew people would be inside and outside. We told people they didn’t need to bring gifts, but of course people did. We didn’t get around to opening them until after the party – he was ready for a nap before the party ended.

Checking out his gifts (not really…he’s not interested in opening them – he just touched the bags and moved on).
Posing in his birthday outfit. My coworker sewed the onesie stuff and my mom made the bowtie the night before and we ironed on his name.
Ready to party!
His favorite boy and partner in crime, Braxton.

Loving on Nana
Having lunch with Sadie
His highchair companion at the ready
Hanging out with Aunt Misty and Sadie (and his twin cousins in utero)

Stare down with Lela
They both seemed quite unsure about posing for a picture together.
Balloons!
Sweetie face

Elli checking out his sweet leggings
Party guests
Round two with pictures with Lela – she did much better this time…he still seemed suspicious
Posing with Lela and mommies