Early last month, we celebrated Kai’s first birthday!
A lot of people comment or complain that the first birthday party is really for the parents and has nothing to do with the child himself. To that I say – so what? Yes, he won’t remember it and he didn’t have a clue that we were celebrating him – although he did realise something special was happening when we all sang happy birthday to him. But, why not be about us parents? I’m a birthday person. Hands down. And whether or not you’re aware if it, I’m going to celebrate you and your life and best believe I was going to throw a party for my boy. Anyone who’s a parent obviously knows how crazy and life-changing having a child is. We wanted to celebrate our boy and celebrate surviving a year of parenthood, hehe. So we owned it, why not! After all, it was my birth-day too!
We threw the party at one of our favourite restaurants, Munch Café in Kyalami. They have other branches around Joburg which are all just as good – we know, because we’ve been to them all! It’s a great family-friendly restaurant that Kev and I just adore. The service is always great, the food is scrumptious and the set up is cute and modern. I had no doubts that’s where I wanted to hold Kai’s first party. I was initially a bit worried about the weather as it was raining slightly in the morning but thankfully it cleared up just in time for the little ones to enjoy themselves outside in the play area.
When it came to the planning, I decided to forgo a party planner and do it myself. The cake, photography and catering were all handled by suppliers. The décor, party bags and invites were done by me. It’s been ages since I’ve done DIY arts and crafts but it’s something I’ve loved to do since I was a kid (who remembers the British show Art Attack?) The last time I did something similar was for my wedding, almost three years ago. Making all of this stuff for Kai’s party reawakened my inner child! I love getting a pair of scissors, a stick of glue, some paper and a pencil and getting into it to make things. Yes, I’m a creative professional but my day job doesn’t call for such old-school tricks. A lot of people expressed sympathy that I was planning and organising the entire party myself…but I actually loved it! It was a bit daunting at first, because I’ve never been involved in a kiddie’s party before, but once I got my inspiration (thank God for Pinterest), I really got into it. There’s nothing more rewarding than envisioning something in my head, then bringing it to life (except of course being a mom). I’m actually thinking about sharing a post on how I did the DIY decor and party packs, let me know in the comments if you’ll find that helpful.
So here they are, some snapshots from Kai’s Batman themed party. Cos who’s cooler than Batman?
How did you celebrate your little one’s first birthday?
Venue & Catering: Munch Café
Cake: Sugar Granny
Outfit: Lullaby Rock
Shoes: Shooshoos
Photographer: Carike Ridout
Hi Aisha. I love the pics it shows how good you are with events planning. Pls help where did you buy those light alphabets written Kai? I need them for my birthday and house warming for later this Year
Author
Hey hon, thanks for the compliment! I got them from Typo 😉
Such a cute little boy. And the decorations looked absolutely stunning. Love the batman party packs. Well done Mommy, totally nailed it. Everything looked really beautiful. Happy belated birthday lil one.
Author
Thanks so much hon! I loved planning the whole thing and really proud of how it came out 😀 Kai says thank you 😉
Hey Mrs O. Only catching up now. The decor was awesome, well done my friend, Will be sure to tell Kai how his mum was a superhero with his 1st. Awesome pics!!!!
Author
Thanks luv! And thanks for coming 😀 It’s your turn next…
Awww! Love the photos and the setup. And yes to Art Attack. I used to love watching it as a child.
Happy birthday to him once again!
KacheeTee.com
Author
You also watched it?! I’ve found my DIY geek buddy 😀 😀 Thanks Kachee, you’ve made me feel normal again lol
I am sure I did celebrate my kids first birthdays too. It was kind of strange but I just can’t help make birthdays cool and fun for the kids. Part of it was picking up up the girls first baby haircut. In fact, I just started my blog too and hope it would grow like yours, https://boysandgirlshairstyles.blogspot.com/
Author
Hey Travis, ain’t nothing wrong with making your kids birthday special! I’m (clearly) embracing it 🙂
Hi Aisha..
I love the fact that you did all this for your boy and you as parents.
I remember art attack, that man was so creative.
about the DiY,stop thinking already just share the post ..
Asante
Author
Thanks Marion! I’ve definitely noted the DIY post, watch this space!
so precious !! enjoy every moment
Author
Thank you, I sure am
What a beautiful Party!! And Yes to the the DIY Post.
Author
Thank you 🙂 and noted!
I did a small at home party for my daughter’s first birthday. I also love arts and crafts and DIY so yes, you sharing how you pulled off your decorations would help
Author
Cool, thanks Jennice, I’ll work on it
Yes to the DIY post!!!!!!!
Author
Ok lol!!!