birthday party Archives - My Inner Shakti

Kaiden’s a very lucky little guy. I mean, don’t we all wish we could celebrate our birthdays twice?!

Our closest Chicago family (well, my sister and BIL) and friends joined us this Saturday to celebrate Kaiden’s first birthday. This celebration was super special for me and Vishnu because many of these people were by our side through the pregnancy journey as well as K’s first year. #blessed

I need to thank Mother Nature for not only cooperating with the weather but truly exceeding all my expectations. I couldn’t have conjured up a better day for a park party if I tried. Simply beautiful – not too hot or humid + lots of sun!

The party started around noon and wrapped up around 2:30 pm. Again, I wanted to keep it super simple…hence having it at a park near our apartment.

For the food, we ordered a couple of pizzas from Lou Malnati’s and a bunch of kati roll type wraps from Bombay Wraps. DELISH! I also ordered a smash cake + cupcakes from Sweet Mandy B’s (my favorite bakery in Chicago!).

My favorite memory will forever be K apprehensively picking at his smash cake and eventually going in full force. Everyone cheered when he took his first bite (fistful) of cake, and he looked so proud of himself. THE CUTEST! Thankfully, my BIL got it all on video.

Other than that, the adults mingled, and the kiddos kind of played with each other. Ha!

I’m just so thankful to have had most of our Chicago family together in one place. So much love!

As lucky as K is, I truly believe Vishnu and I are equally so!

I can’t believe Kaiden’s Atlanta birthday party is behind us now! And only 18 days until his actual birthday. Where does the time go?!

His party was super simple and super fun (not that I’m biased or anything)…for the adults! Kaiden was a little overwhelmed and cranky, so I’m not sure if he had as much fun as we did. Regardless, it was a wonderful few hours that I can’t wait to tell him all about when he’s older.

We decided to host the party at my parents house since most of the guests live in the northern suburbs. If I’m being totally honest, I’m not a great party planner. I’m horrible with details, decor, etc. I’m more of a party planning project manager. Haha!

The menu was no frills (duh) but delicious – a variety of Costco pizzas, chips and salsa, and salad. K’s cake was from Costco too, and man was it good! Highly recommend checking out Costco for all your party planning necessities! 🙂 We didn’t end up ordering a smash cake for this party, and it probably worked out for the best given K wasn’t in a very smashing mood!

Anyways, the Georgia heat was full force this past Saturday, so my parents had a tent put up in their backyard. Decorations included a few balloons and a cute banner. #notapinterestmom

I didn’t plan out any games or anything like that because…well, K’s 1. But over the course of 3 hours, I think people really enjoyed chatting, eating, and hanging out.

A few of my favorite moments included catching up with family and friends I haven’t seen a long time (since my Atlanta baby shower!), sitting outside and laughing/chatting with our friends, and seeing K go crazy from a sugar high (mangoes + ice cream). He literally made 100 laps around my parents living room. It was hilarious!

If I’m going by my measure of success (energy, love, laughter, etc.), Kaiden’s first Atlanta birthday party was a huge success! While our birthday boy wasn’t his happiest most chipper self, I think he really loved being the center of attention. Both Vishnu and I are so thankful for our parents, his brother and his girlfriend, and all our family and friends. Every single person added something special to K’s day! I can’t wait until he understands how loved he truly is.

Next up…baby K’s 1st birthday party in Chicago! I just placed the order for his smash cake and the cupcakes today…so excited!

P.S. Did I also mention I’m a horrible picture taker? [We have pictures from the party but none that don’t show K’s face.]