[StorkWatcher]

Okay, another forum friend and I were discussing first birthday parties today. Here are my goals for ours, which will happen all too soon in a few short months:

1. Don't have TOO many people or make it TOO overwhelming for babe

2. Make it EASY on myself

3. Let's all celebrate my son and his life. This is not to throw a party for our entire family and friends. This is also NOT to focus on gifts - we want focus on our perfect baby boy and his first year in our family. (Although I don't want to tell people not to bring gifts. I know how much I always loved to buy things for my nieces.)

4. Make it very special. I'd really like to have everyone contribute something for his scrapbook or memory box. Any ideas?

I'm sure I'll have a simple theme (something like jungle animals or tractors or whatever he's in to --but not cartoon/Disney themed, probably)

Our family tradition is that the baby gets his own small white cake with white icing (is there any kind of not-too-sugary white icing I can use/make?) with animal crackers decorating the cake.

So, what are good tips?
Do we have food, too, or just cake/ice cream?

People will ask what to get him - should I offer a theme? Like books? Or farm-related items? Or outdoor toys? Clothes?

How long should it last (based on your past experiences)?

[SchmennaLeigh]

We're making Nicholas his own little cake with icing as well. I've begun researching recipes that aren't gross tasting that have limited sugar and limited allergens.

Nick's theme is Little Prince. And, though I know we'll all be exhausted and overwhelmed, I'm going over the top. Why? It's that part of me that regrets not having planned Munchkin's and wanting to do it RIGHT this time, if that makes sense.

Our family is huge, on both sides. So, even if it was just family, without my best friend or J&D and their crew, it would still be too many to fit in OUR home. We're either borrowing the church hall or using the nearby community center. That way my own house doesn't get trashed and people have enough room to stretch out.

We'll let people purchase whatever they want, though our family members know that we like books for Nicholas. Clothes are always a given.

We're doing food for others, but just the typical meat and cheese tray. A cake for the rest of the crowd. And your typical iced tea/punch/pop selection.

Munchkin's party was approximately two hours and that was long enough.

[HBV]

This is why I was so interested in the topic Jenna started the other day. I want to have a really nice, memorable party with close friends and family. I want to do it at home. I want to make the food.
I do NOT want licensed characters of any kind!!!

Stork, are you doing dairy yet?

What about just doing whipped cream icing for the baby's cake? You'd just barely have to sweeten that. A couple drops of almond extract (or vanilla) and 3 T of powdered sugar in a cup or so of whipping cream v. 3 cups or more of powdered sugar in most icings. Jenna, do you know from your recipe research if the flavoring extract would retain the nut allergens?

[StorkWatcher]

NO dairy at all yet. I thought the ped would say we need to transition him to milk from formula around or by his first b-day (on my list of questions for next month's checkup), but I'd be perfectly happy not to give him ice cream that day. (Maybe our frozen mango slushies!!!!) The icing I usually make has milk and butter in it.

I could always do a plain little piece of cake if we've not tried any dairy by then.

[SchmennaLeigh]

Cake mixes have milk and egg in them. That's why this research has been such a heckuva time.

I CANNOT find a sugar free icing recipe. I absolutely refuse to give him whipped cream icing, sugar icing, or anything of that nature. He doesn't need it yet. We won't be doing ice cream either.

[Lovebug]

We had a nice sized 1st bday party for DS. It was from 2 to 5 on a Saturday afternoon. We served tons of food, had no theme either...all the plates and stuff said "1st Bday" on them. His cake was just stars on it. Everyone gave gifts...clothes, books, a few toys. We had a great time. His second bday was the same way, but it was Elmo themed because he loves him. DS didn't eat cake at all. He (totally NOT like me on this one) doesn't like sweets!!!!!!!!!!! He gags on cookies, cake, anything sweet.

Have a great time...cherish the day...take LOTS of pics. I wrote a poem for DS and read it aloud and also wrote a poem for his birthmom and sent it to her for his first bday.

Oh! And don't forget the tissues...cuz you will bawl all day cuz your baby is one already!

--Renee

[StorkWatcher]

Renee - thank you so much for the idea on the poem for bmom. I'm not much of a poet, but do want to be sure I remember her especially at that time.

[Lovebug]

If you'd like, I can share the one I wrote for A's bmom with you. PM me if you'd like it.

[StorkWatcher]

I think your poem really says what a lot of adoptive moms have in their hearts. Thank you on behalf of the rest of us for being able to share that with your son's first mom. It was awesome!

[HBV]

http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/tipFirstBDay.htm

For those looking for healthy first birthday cake ideas. Jenna, there's a sugar free recipe on here, but it's got Splenda, which is worse, in my opinion. You should be able to just use egg yolks, not the whites, if it is the allergen factor you're concerned with, and taking out the cinnamon and subbing vanilla extract or another spice (nutmeg, ginger) shouldn't cause any problem with the recipes. No milk in most of these, either. I'm starting to think the cream cheese icing is the way to go---not much sugar required, and, like yogurt, cream cheese doesn't present the lactose problem that is behind the "no dairy" rule.

[SchmennaLeigh]

Thank you!

I'm concerned about splenda. (Then again, I'm concerned about everything, right? HA!) I know it's "made" from sugar but... gah. I worry. I'm such a worry-wart. The cream cheese icing idea does sound appealing as that is my own personal favorite (mmmmmmmm) and, as you said, has less sugar.

Thanks again. *bounces around* Now I'm excited.

[SchmennaLeigh]

PS - My friend makes her carrot cake w/out cinnamon (FOR ME!) so I can ask her what she substitutes.

Also, as I'm new to not using yolks, would you just use six egg whites in that recipe instead of 2 eggs and 4 egg whites?

[StorkWatcher]

I know. Splenda. Sugar substitute, but made from sugar? But not sugar? Some say it's just a lesser of the evils...

And I know somehow you can sub applesauce for some dairy, but have no clue how....

[Lovebug]

Thanks Stork!!!! {{{Hugs}}}

--Renee

[SchmennaLeigh]

I made a chocolate cake with applesauce once. Or was it brownies? Anyway, it was delicious.