...and then he was one

This weekend, it finally turned cold. 

We had a ten degree drop in temp from 27'C on Friday to 17' on Saturday, so Bean's birthday was thoroughly cold but definitely not miserable.

We spent Bean's birthday as a family, starting out his chilly birthday morning with prezzies from the family in bed with Mummy and Daddy, and later on went on a family shopping expedition for a party outfit and a few pairs of warm pyjamas since he's been outgrowing his onesies at a rate of knots. The rest of us rounded off his birthday by watching a movie while Bean played on the living room floor, and then getting everything ready to head out to Grandpa's house the next day for his party. I'd like to say we were leaving at the crack of dawn, but it was really after 9am. I just find everything that involves all of us takes so much preparation that it feels early. That, and the fact that we overslept horribly.

First birthday parties are really for the adults, since I don't think little ones really understand what is going on yet, or have much of an appreciation for mass get-togethers.

In fact, on some level, I think they find parties a little overwhelming. That said, everyone seemed to have a good time.

Last week, I was concerned that I wouldn't get everything ready for the party but I have to say ... I love it when a plan comes together... 

Realistically, I wouldn't have managed it if it wasn't for my mum and friends who stepped in and did their thing. I certainly owe them a huge big thank you for al their help.

For a change, I decided not to make the cake myself, which was an enormous weight off my shoulders. A good friend did a phenomenal job making the cake for Bean, who just loves his rubber duckies, and my mum provided a lovely spread while I organised treats for the kids and littlies.

Birthday Boy had a fabulous time munching on chips, cake and snacks, and socialising in the way that one-year olds do. He was a little overwhelmed to have so many people around but we didn't put any pressure on him and he soon settled into his role as the boy of the day... and just did his own thing, exploring the world and cruising the party.

We grown-ups had a chance to touch base, catch up with friends and family. It was lovely to be surrounded by the friends, even briefly. It really doesn't happen often enough, and we really shouldn't wait for big occasions to get together.

The bigger kids had a ball and played till they were sadly herded home by their parents... always a sign of a good party! We barely saw Number 2 as he entertained the other on the sand heap outside. (Grandpa is doing some home improvements so has a pile of sand for making cement.) It's amazing how much fun a bunch of kids and a moderately large pile of sand can have.

Number 1 was my helper, hanging our birthday sign, blowing up balloons, keeping an eye on the gate as visitors arrived and watching out that the bigger kids didn't head upstairs.

By the end, our little Bean was so exhausted he had a three hour nap to recover.

He is after all still just a baby...