Celebrating Nicholas' First Birthday (and the last of his monthly milestone updates)

This gorgeous little boy of mine turned one years old on Saturday...

I didn't think I would be as emotional I was this weekend, but it really is surreal to think that his first year is already over, along with so many of his "firsts"...

We celebrated his birthday with a small party for my family and a few friends.  

We wanted to keep it really simple and I love how all the decor and snacks turned out...

I made this delicious blueberry and lemon pound cake with a lemon drizzle icing.  

For a simple and natural looking cake topper, I cut a few little flags from pretty blue scrapbook paper, and hot glued them to hessian twine to make a bunting.  I hot glued each end to a twig and stuck the bunting in each cake.

I made a mini cake for Nicholas and popped a white candle in the middle...

I made some mini chicken mayo tramezzinis which I cut into quarters as a savoury snack...we also had pizza and chips...  I made some lemon and rooibos ice tea as well for the children and the adults that didn't want tea or coffee...

Mama and the birthday boy.

Blowing out the candle...

Getting ready to tuck in...

Hmmm....❤

At 12 months, Nicholas has seven teeth.  He loves looking at and pointing to the pictures and posters on his wall.  He has barely opened his eyes from a nap and he's asking to be taken over to his posters.  He can't bear having his nappy changed, getting dressed, brushing his teeth or any sort of personal hygiene for that matter.  He is just not into books right now and will not sit still for a story.  He suddenly started wanting his stuffed animals this past month.  After a bit of a regression, his sleep has been a bit better...some 6, 7, and 8 hours stretches.  And he actually slept through the night twice this month for some random reason.  He loves visiting Grandpa and Granny and all the aunties and Uncle Caleb.  They have so many animals to play with, including a pet lamb.  Daddy is still his favourite person.  If he is out or we have people over, he doesn't ask for his "milkies", so I don't offer him.  We are starting the weaning process - albiet very slowly.  Being outside is his favourite place to be.  When Nicholas is happy, he is the happiest boy in the world.  But when he is miserable, oh my gosh.  You've got to get the ear plugs out because this boy has a serious pair of lungs on him! In terms of development, he has now learnt to climb down the stairs too which makes me breathe a bit easier.  Nicholas is such a people person and makes everyone smile when we are out.

I am so enjoying having a ONE year old and I am so excited for his second year and being able to do more toddler activities with him, read stories and get to experience life through his eyes...

~

After I had tucked Nicholas' into bed, I sat and wrote him a letter which he can read someday.  I want to treasure all these precious moments in my heart...how I wish I could freeze them in time!

I have a box of all Nicholas' special things from the time I found out I was expecting him till now...  I have also tried to keep a record of all his firsts in the baby journal my mother in law gave me...  I am a bit sentimental, I know...

Thank you for stopping by today, sweet friends...and a big thank you to those of you who took the time to comment on my previous post on my thoughts on the first year of motherhood.  I really appreciate all your kind and encouraging words!

May the week ahead be a lovely one for each of you...

With love, Kelly ❤