Birthday Party Stuff

A lot of people are probably thinking, "Why bother having a birthday party for a baby's first birthday?  They're not going to remember - what's the point?"

I somewhat agree to this!  You're right, they're not going to remember, but you know who will?  The parents and friends/family who visited.  Since we do not have any family in Finland - we figured this would be an excellent way to see many of our friends, some whom we haven't seen in a few months and some whom are leaving the country for over 6 months...so it was definitely worth it.  And whatever new friendships were formed during this time - all the better.  As well, we were able to take lots of photos and videos and send it to our family back home - who I'm sure would've had a small party for V�in� if we lived in Canada.
Also, I think of a baby's/child's birthday party as a celebration for the parents too!  That's right - I looked at my husband and clinked my paper cup of apple juice to his coffee mug and said, "Congratulations - we're still parents and still alive."

My theory with birthday parties is this: "Presents are nice but your presence is better..." and for all those that came and brought gifts - we thank you!

V�in�'s first birthday party was pretty much a huge play date/pig-out fest.  The pigging out mostly done by the adults.  Seeing as we have a million puzzle pieces and all kinds of toys for kids of various ages - it made sense to just have it at our place, as I chickened out of asking the MM Playground to rent their indoor play-cottage (with full sized kitchen!).  At first we were not expecting many people because 6 November is a holiday (the day for the Swedes - everything's closed and the Finnish flag is raised) - so many people took advantage of visiting their families and so on.
We ended up having a total of 17 (big and small) people in our flat and we had to close off Tim's office room as it was the "clutter and hide everything we can't put away right now" room.  The balcony was home for the dogs temporarily during the party and when the children were present.  But nobody passed out from the heat - not that it was super hot and sweaty anyhow as I wasn't cooking food.

Mmmm food.  What did I make for the party?  Here's a photo:

For food on the huge table (1st photo) I made/served:

• A meat platter
• 4-cheese platter (Gouda, Swiss, Blue and Mild Cheddar)
• 2 bowls of candy
• 2 bowls of nuts
• Home-made guacamole
• Nacho dip (cream cheese, black beans, salsa, shredded cheese)
• Veggie platter
• Dip
• Assortment of crackers
• Juice, milk, coffee and tea
• Birthday cake was a home-made carrot cake and chocolate or lemon cup cake with cream cheese icing (also home-made!) and SPRINKLES!!!

Now in the second photo are treat bags.  Little bags of goodies for guests to take home.

THIS IS NOT COMMON IN FINLAND....although the shops sell the items for it - it's not a common thing.  It's slowly becoming popular - but very slowly from what I was told.

So I got little cellophane bags and each bag had a mini Play-Doh, a happy-faced slinky and a little puzzle.  The bigger kids or adults (friends who do not have kids but came anyway) also had a little lollipop in theirs.  Then I just tied it up with a piece of yarn...red for candy bags and blue for bags without candy.

I'm pleased with how everything turned out - as I've never hosted a "birthday party" before - just pot lucks at work...but this was definitely fun.

See you next year!  

If V�in� understands games - maybe I'll incorporate games then...too early to start planning...?