Wednesday 2 March 2011

First birthday - partie 2

And finally partie 2 of the L.'s first birthday: the party with our (and his) friends. It was so much fun to have a house full of babies, though it did all of a sudden make me feel old!

When I originally thought about organising a birthday party for L.'s big ONE, I had such a clear idea in my mind of how I wanted things to be. I was motivated: scouting every blog out there in the search of inspiration for the perfect birthday party. I even practiced my baking skills (I never ever bake). And then, well, the usual happened: I got caught up in life's everyday hustle and bustle. Too much work, not enough energy, lack of time, sleep and slowly, I was no longer in control. I am envious when I see those perfect mums on other blogs and I sometimes try to keep up with them, but no matter how much I try, I just-can't-do-it. Exhaustion always seems to take over, especially since I have started my new job when all I want to do as I come home is spend time with my boyz, eat, and go straight to sleep. I know it is just a phase, that when the project I am working on is finished I will be able to enjoy life outside of work again, but in the meantime I have to say that this experience has actually been positive because I have decided to give up on trying to be a wonder woman (remember this post?). I keep failing anyway and to be true, I'm quite happy with my messy flat and unorganised life. In fact, the improvised birthday party we had for L. is the perfect example of the success of my non-perfection. Aren't improvised parties always the best ones anyway?

With the help of our friends, we created a simple but colourful party atmosphere. I spent many hours baking and was delighted with how my number 1 cake turned out!

cupcakes

               2011-03-023

               2011-03-022

one

Isabella set a beautiful table full of goodies whilst the boys impressed us by making a banner in just 30 minutes (!)...

1st birthday party

Collages3

cupcakes

We blew up about 30 balloons which perfectly decorated our living room and amused the birthday boy.

               party balloons

In all, there were 19 adults and 7 wee people. I would love to share our groups photos with you but to respect my friends privacy, I shan't. Instead, I'll share these photos with you and allow you to make fun of my terrible baking skills...

hungry caterpillar

The Very Hungry Caterpillar (chubby style!)

Inspired by this very talented Canadian lady, this dude was supposed to be Eric Carle's Very Hungry Caterpillar! My friend Ciara made the cupcakes and I made the head and we whipped him together in 5 min, improvising his antennae and feet with liquorice. Our chubby caterpillar friend made quite the impression.

I am glad we marked this big milestone in L's life and our lives as parents (c'était un peu notre anniversaire aussi) and it was great to see how everything turned out so wonderfully. As my dear grandfather would have said: " it was smashing"! And this little cutie had the best of fun...
               bib'

10 comments:

  1. I totally hear you on trying to be wonder woman. As if it was not hard enough on maternity leave, it is nearly impossible once back at work! Did you see the post on Enjoying the Small Things this week? She showed pictures of her house (messy!) and it was so refreshing to see someone admitting that they don't keep a perfect house all the time!

    The party looked lovely and now I really want a cupcake! I am so sad my little guy was sick on his first birthday. I need to plan a party this summer for his 1.5 years perhaps?

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  2. Morgan, any excuse is good for a party. I think you should totally celebrate H's 18 months! I didn't see Kellie's post but I will go check it out. Anna from Rummey Bears also posted on a similar topic last week. It's good to see we are not alone in our mess! Hope you enjoyed your recent blog free week. Bisous xx

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  3. wow!!! everything looks so great...full of love :) the other day, we went to a birthday party for a baby and it was nice but a tiny little too...um...commercial! your birthday party is exactly what I would have done.

    the caterpillar is sssooooo cute!

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  4. oh, it looks wonderful! i love the number 1 cake & the caterpillar is awesome!! might have to steal that idea myself :) let me tell you a secret. no, a truism.. no one is a wonder mum & no-one has a perfectly clean & tidy, perfectly decorated home with perfect children. repeat after me: "it's not true" or you could try: "it's not for real-sies" . just keep doing what you're doing :)
    x captn

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  5. Pictures are great! lovely post for lovely memories. Would you send me pictures of our two boys, if you have any? Bravo again for the wonderful mum you are and the great party you three made!

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  6. aww, I think everything turned out wonderful. :]

    I can never find enough time in the day, and I don't even work.. so kudos to you for being able to juggle work and parenting, while keeping a positive outlook.

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  7. Impressive party!
    You did a great job! Love the caterpillars!!

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  8. looks like a wonderful day, love the caterpillar cupcakes, soo sweet ♥

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  9. Love the caterpillar, Max has the book and he loves it!

    Beautiful party and pictures... que talento vc tem viu?

    Beijos
    Van

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