Jack's First Birthday Party

Stuart and I had decided against a big party for Jack long before he was born. We thought it would be a lot of trouble for something that is really meaningless to the kid. We were determined to just have a simple birthday cake at home and get some pictures of that, since really, the first birthday is just one big photo opportunity. Well, our friends and families were really appalled at our decision, so we relented and threw a small party for Jack. We thought it would at least be nice to get some great first photos and then have a chance to catch up with people we don't see much since Jack was born. It really was a good time. Here are some of the highlights:

Quietly opening gifts with mom and dad:


The girls did all of the decorating for the party:



We requested no gifts on the invitation, but were ignored. Every time I was asked for gift suggestions, I replied that Jack didn't need anything, since he usually just plays with pots and pans anyway. So, it appears that my family thought it would be funny to give Jack miscellaneous kitchen items. They were a hit! Jack especially loved the martini shaker from Aunt Marcy and Uncle Kevin. What is that all about? He wouldn't let go of it and held it through the opening of all the other gifts.



He had a Jack-in-the-box cake, which he loved to play with, but refused to eat.

Of course, we have video too:






Rest assured that my nieces and nephew, Kailee, Caitlin, and Ryan had no problem eating his distroyed cake when he was done playing with it.

A quick pic of Papa with all the girls:

I was surprised at how good Jack was for his party, considering he had skipped his afternoon nap. It worked out well for us, however, as he fell asleep while drinking his bottle at 6:30pm. This allowed us to visit with guests until 10:30pm (a rare late night for mom & dad!)

He went to sleep so early, he didn't get to open a couple of his gifts from late arrivals to the party. It turns out his favorite didn't come until the next morning. His own inflatable ball tent. He loves this and plays in it constantly!

A good time had by all. I can't believe our little baby is growing up so fast. He is such a little boy now!