When our little one was around 9 months old, my husband and I started discussing on what we wanted to do for his 1st birthday. Rather than opting for a traditional party, we wanted to make this celebration all about our baby. We decided to skip the party and instead focus on creating magical moments that he would cherish in his own little world.
However, due to some unforeseen circumstances that plan didn’t lead to fruition.
We had to abandon our three months of preparation in favor of another impromptu, yet gratifying celebration.
Join us as we take you on a heartwarming journey through the “One-derful World” of our baby’s first birthday, filled with love, togetherness, and cherished memories.
Shifting the Focus
Our goal was to create a celebration centered around our little bundle of joy. Understanding that babies don’t really comprehend the concept of birthdays or parties, we believed that the true essence of this day lay in witnessing his joy and happiness.
A Double Celebration
This day was not just about our baby’s birth; we wanted to celebrate the joy of becoming parents and the transformation this journey brought into our lives.
A Month-Long Celebration
To fully savor this beautiful phase, my husband and I had decided to take the entire month of July off work. Despite the fact that our vacation turned into a staycation, this decision allowed us to immerse ourselves in the joy of parenthood and devote quality time to our little one.
The Ayush Hooman
A few days before his first birthday, we performed the sacred Ayush Hooman at home, surrounded by our close-knit family. This meaningful ritual sought divine blessings for his longevity and wellbeing. With Vedic chants and offerings to the sacred fire, we embraced our cultural heritage and expressed our hopes for a blessed life for our precious child.
Theme
The theme we chose for the celebration was “One-derful World.” It represented the wonder and awe we experienced witnessing our baby’s growth, curiosity, and happiness in his unique world.
Celebrating in Three Parts
Our baby’s first birthday celebration unfolded in three parts – the pre-birthday, birthday, and post-birthday festivities
a) Pre-Birthday Fun: On the day before his birthday, we treated our little one to a delightful brunch outing. His fascination with people, joyfully saying “hi” to everyone, made this outing adorable. Later in the evening, we visited an indoor children’s play area where he had the time of his life riding bikes, making friends, and playing with balls and swings.
b) The Birthday Extravaganza: The big day arrived, and we kicked off the morning with balloons, much to his delight. Capturing his genuine happiness, we had a memorable cake smash photoshoot. We decided to bake a giant banana cupcake with yoghurt frosting (recipe to follow), ensuring it was healthy and free from excessive sugars. In the evening, we visited a temple to seek blessings for our little one’s prosperous journey ahead.
c) Post-Birthday Serenity: The day after his birthday, we headed to the beach – a place that exudes serenity and beauty. Watching our baby explore the sand and splash in the gentle waves brought us pure joy and contentment.
The Cake
Of course, no birthday is complete without blowing the candle and cutting a cake. Since the cake from the morning was almost intact and he didn’t really “smash” it, we made an impromptu decision and used the same cake and celebrated with our near and dear ones.
Our baby’s first birthday was a heartfelt celebration of love, family, and the magic of childhood. By centering the event around him and embracing a “One-derful World” theme, we created cherished memories that will last a lifetime. As parents, we learned that the true essence of parenthood lies in being present, savoring each moment, and celebrating the joy our little one brings into our lives. This journey of love and growth has just begun, and we eagerly await the adventures that lie ahead in our baby’s “One-derful World.”
Shop the post and more
Custom cake topper
Giant cupcake mold
Confetti balloon
Ballon pump
Birthday banner
Number gold foil
Foam ball pit
Play balls
Balance bike (gift)
Cake smash suspenders
“World” Birthday cap
Month milestone banner
Balloon arch strip Kip
V’s photoshoot outfit – Little Muffet
My Green floral top – Express