Blowing Raspberries: 1st Birthday Party

My dear precious Ceyone,

Your first birthday was the most awaited moment of the year for me. Papa and I had been waiting for that moment to celebrate you. We celebrated your actual birthday at home with grandparents and planned the birthday party after the December holidays. I had been researching and planning for your first birthday party weeks in advance. I really wanted to make it special for you. Of course you'd not remember anything but you'll see the photos later.

The first step was to find a venue. We decided on Indian cuisine as it was popular with everyone and I contacted a few top Indian restaurants in Singapore. None seemed convincing enough. Then one evening we all decided to visit 'The Song of India' restaurant on Scotts Road. After dinner as we were taking turns to walk you, I noticed a banquet hall name next to the restaurant compound. I clicked a picture of the name on my iphone and researched on our way back. The next day I called up 'The Colonial @ Scotts' banquet hall. As we liked the food at the restaurant, we soon finalised the hall for your party.

After the venue, I put together the invites. Your party's theme was 'Rainbow colours'.

At the same time, I was designing your cake. You loved the YouTube channel Hoopla Kids and the 'rain rain go away...' song was your favourite. Drawing inspiration from there, I planned your cake to have Anne and Ben toppers. The moment you saw your cake you said 'bha bha' with happiness on seeing Ben. You absolutely loved dogs and Ben was your first favourite. Sohail chachu helped me to transport your cake safely to the party venue.

I dressed you up in a red t-shirt with a cute teddy on it. You had fever following from the 1 year vaccination and were not in the best of your health. With your beautiful resilience and high spirit, you sailed through the party for a good duration and enjoyed the ball pool the most.

I had selected the hooplakids itunes music and when 'the wheels of the bus go round and round' played, your lips cracked in a shy smile. The bus and the song were your obsessions of the month.

We cut the lovely cake and everyone wished you the best of health and happiness.

We posed for some pictures too with beautiful Naani.

With the 3 favourite most women of your life then : Naani, Mumma and Tita.

Some of your little friends who joined us were : Samar, Zara, Mihir (who was much older) and Keita chan. While everyone was absorbed in chatting and food, a loud thud sound shook everyone and we found out that Mihir climbed up the slide and jumped into the ball pool which was quite far. It was very amusing and I couldn't stop laughing for 5 minutes.

The guest list included our family friends, condo friends, Mumma's friends, Papa's work friends and most importantly your little friends :)

Everyone seemed to enjoy the party and complimented the sumptuous food. The menu included Mix Veg Raita, Kothimbir Vadi, Fish Koliwada Fry, Butter Chicken, Paneer Mutter, Dal Tadka, Green Peas Pulao, Tandoori Roti with butter and Gulab Jamun. For the kids menu, we packed home made sandwiches and cut mangoes, strawberries and grapes. The babies enjoyed the food too. Mumma forgot to click picture of the cute obento boxes with decorative little forks.

We had also set up a projector that displayed ~400 pictures of your beautiful first year. The table decoration credits go to Naani. She also prepared hand made posters for party decorations.

I got chocolates with customised covers as party favours. We also handed out on the spot printed photos from the party to everyone.

The fun part of the party was also the after party! We brought all the balloons home and you had splendid time opening your presents. In the evening, Sohail chachu joined us and we all enjoyed the party food and the cake. Thank you everyone who came to the party for making it so special.