J Cooper Photography

Last week we survived round one of the spring birthdays.  Mr. P got stuck in Chicago on his way back from his travels so we postponed our little home celebration until Friday.  We had so much to do that night so we kept it simple and low key…just like our little mellow man!

Here are my 10 recommendations for a quick and easy birthday celebration.

1.  Start the party off right with handmade toilet paper tube presents.

2.  Pose the baby in front of his loot and try to get him not to look like a deer in headlights.

3.  Tell him to “Go ahead and rip into them!”….generally followed by a “Say what??”

4.  Convince the baby that he really wants to open that smaller package first.   It’s not like I made him start with the card.

5.  Give up on the opening aspect of the party and just show him the adorable lion toy.

6.  Ensure he loves his new stuffie by insisting he kiss it.

7.  Pose the baby with the new lion toy and take a picture.  {You will want to send this to the gracious Etsy store owner who lovingly created this for you!}

8.  Let the baby finally open the Big Kahuna.

9.   Sing “Happy Birthday” as quickly as possible while your 2 year old screams and throws himself on the floor in a fit of jealousy.  Don’t worry….the baby won’t even notice. {he’s used to it}

10.  Watch your one year old who doesn’t eat solid yet “eat” his cupcake….or smoosh it…or whatever.  You know…for posterity.

Call it a night, throw everyone in the tub, and lights out!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY again to our sweet boy!

{The stuffed lion came from Mitter’s Critters Etsy shop and is quite possibly the cutest – and well made – stuffed animal in the Universe.  There are many adorable animals just waiting for a new home in her shop!}