Dominic’s 1st Birthday Party!
I can’t believe that one year ago today, at 6:44am, Dominic made his grand entrance into the world. It feels like it was just yesterday and yet a lifetime ago at the same time… crazy how time does that, isn’t it?
I was nervous, yet excited, about juggling two children, but just like after having Joseph, the transition came naturally and in a short time we found our rhythm and I honestly can’t remember what it was like before these boys blessed our lives (although I’m sure I had infinitely more time to get things done, ha!).
Over this last year, as Dominic has grown and started crawling and making the transition from baby to toddler, and as Joseph’s talking took off by leaps and bounds, seeing the two of them play and interact together has made my heart swell with love and pride like I never knew possible.
This past Saturday, we celebrated Dominic’s birthday and had a wonderful time showering him with tons of love and affection.
While most babies aren’t really “into” anything quite yet, Dominic took to Peppa Pig quickly when Joseph started watching it a few month ago. Through absolutely no prompting from us, he began to oink like a pig when the show would start! It made it quite easy to choose a Peppa Pig theme for the birthday party!
We didn’t go crazy over the top – a birthday banner, some balloons, and coordinating plates and napkins.We also added the same photo garland that we used for Joseph’s birthday, with photos from each month over the last year… one of my favorite parts! I also got him a custom birthday shirt from Etsy, which was so adorable.
I made his cake using my yellow cake recipe, filled and frosted with my basic vanilla buttercream, and then decorated it using fondant with an image of Peppa Pig’s brother, George. I made a separate smash cake using this recipe, and decorating with a simple whipped cream frosting that I tinted using Watkins natural food coloring. I also added some dirt cups as “muddy puddles” for anyone who wanted an alternative to cake and/or something chocolate!
Since I was doing the cake, I outsourced the food from our favorite little local market – fried chicken, meat lasagna, oven roasted potatoes, and a tossed salad.
I added a cheese and cracker board with salami, sopressatta, apricots and grapes, as well as a veggie board with both ranch and hummus, and bowls of pretzels and potato chips. It was all a hit!
Joseph enjoyed helping Dominic with his smash cake and opening all of the presents (he greeted each one with oooh’s and aaah’s); such a good big brother!
It was such a fun day and we’re so blessed to have two beautiful boys that light up our days and fill our hearts like we could have never imaged.
Dominic, you have the sweetest soul and eyes that sparkle; I hope you never lose your zest for enjoying each moment to its fullest!
Dominic, little darling you must have had loads of fun on your first birthday and loads of gifts…
Will you accept my belated wishes for your birthday? MANY, HAPPY AND BLESSED BIRTHDAYS with your sweet parents and your gorgeous brother…
What a Beautiful baby boy you have there Michelle! And is that a little mischievous look I see in his eyes? ;)
I just got home from work, checking for beef enchilada recipe’s online when I came across yours, and am waiting for my wife to get home with our Beautiful 19 month old baby boy David James, and our 9 year old daughter Crystal Dawn!
I just had to tell you your two boys are very handsome little men! Oh, and the enchilada’s look good too! :)
Take care of those boys, children are what life is all about.
Such a lovely family. You are truly blessed!
Hi Michelle, thanks so much for sharing Dominic’s birthday party with us! He has grown into such a cute boy. And of course we all know how adorable Joseph is! I find myself wishing I was part of your family, so I could experience all your family dinners and celebrations. Best wishes to you all!
Michelle,
You are so gifted in your baking…what an amazing cake for Dominic. You are blessed in having two healthy, gorgeous little boys who have an awesome family. Happy Birthday Dominic.
Happy 1st Birthday Dominic! Looks like a really great party. Love the cake (great job Michelle) and the special birthday shirt.
Happy 1st birthday Dominic! Such a little sweetie….both of your sons are ADORABLE! Thank you for sharing that special day with us. (and all the other posts each week) You did a fantastic job on his cake….would have loved to see him tearing into his smash cake!
Wow, great party ideals, looks like fun with delicious treats and snacks. Thanks for the hints for our next birthday party for our granddaughter. The boys are so cute and adorable!
Oh, Michelle he looks just like you! Have you found that Pa Sweet Onion Ice Cream yet?
Aw, thank you! And no, still have not found that ice cream!
Happy birthday Dominic!! Both your boys are so handsome! You did an amazing job on the cake and the party looked like a lot of fun! Thanks for sharing the joy of his special day! <3
Happy Birthday Dominic! Looks like he had a wonderful party. They grow quickly.
Happy birthday to this cutie! Can’t believe it’s been a year! I’ve been reading your blog since before you had Joseph:-)
How Sweet!! It’s amazing how our hearts can fill with love and joy when we look and hold our children. These are moments to treasure!!
Happy Birthday to that sweet boy:) That cake is awesome!
Awe..such a special birthday for Dominic! I have so enjoyed following Dominic, Joseph, and Duke this past year. You are truly blessed with a wonderful family. Thanks for sharing pictures, and of course your recipes with us.
Happy 1st Birthday Dominic you are such a lil cutie 😊
Just wanted to say thank you for sharing these special moments of your life with us! I love seeing all your pictures and you all look so happy. I know first birthdays were always bittersweet to me. I loved celebrating but always cried when we sang happy birthday because it’s like “baby” has grown up! You are blessed to have such a great family!
Happy Birthday Little Man,.
Happy birthday to that sweet boy! What a beautiful face! Have so much fun and enjoy! You bring back all my happy moments with my babies (21 and 16!!) when I see yours😍
Happy Birthday, Dominic! Hope you have an awesome day!!
God bless the little ones, Michelle. It’s lovely of you to share a peek into your life and an absolute delight to see them (and Einstein!) grow up.
Happy birthday- looks like you had a great day!
Happy Birthday, sweet little Dominic, and thank you Michelle, for sharing all the joy of this amazing little boy’s very special day! XO
Happy Birthday Dominic! Sounds like you had a great day celebrating your youngest Michelle, loved the cake and the photo garland is such a lovely touch.