Joseph’s 1st Birthday!
One year ago today, I was in a hospital room waiting (quite impatiently) for Joseph to make his way into the world. It felt like the longest day, but finally, at 5:36pm, we heard him cry for the first time. It was so surreal to finally hold this tiny little baby who had been living inside of me for the last nine months; he was here and he was so perfect. My husband and I truly didn’t know what to expect – we don’t have any nieces or nephews and neither of us had ever even changed a diaper!
However, it didn’t take long for parenthood to feel totally natural, and here we are… an entire year later!
I could have never imagined how much love, laughter, joy and amazement that little baby would bring to our lives. Watching him do something new, figuring something out, making a funny face, giggling with a full-on belly laugh… it all truly is the best thing in the world.
This past Saturday, we threw Joseph’s 1st birthday party and I wanted to share it with you!
The birthday boy put on his Sunday best for the party and looked so handsome :) He’s such a little charmer!
I kept the decorations pretty simple, sticking with balloons and coordinated plates and napkins that had cars, trucks and trains on them (his favorite things).
The only “crafty” thing that I did was string this photo garland from our fireplace mantle to showcase pictures of Joseph from each month this first year. Our guests seemed to really enjoy looking at the photos and marveling at how much he has changed and grown. It’s actually still up – we keep looking at it ourselves! :)
Now, cakes! I decorated the big cake with a depiction of The Little Blue Truck, which is Joseph’s absolute favorite book. I wasn’t totally thrilled with how it turned out; I think if I were to do a character on a cake again (prepping for future birthdays!), I would either do it in fondant and place it on the cake, or do an outline and fill in the colors/spaces with royal icing. I think either of those options would afford me the ability to create more details with a neater look. BUT, everyone loved it regardless! I used Joy’s birthday cake recipe (scaled up to make three layers), filled it with whipped chocolate ganache (minus the espresso) and iced it with my favorite vanilla buttercream.
I also made a separate small smash cake for Joseph. This was what gave me the most fits! I don’t know that I’ve mentioned it here before, but a couple of months ago, Joseph had an allergy blood panel done due to some reactions that he was having, and it came back with a number of allergies, among them egg whites (which we suspected), soy, wheat and peanut (which we knew based on a horrific reaction, and what prompted the blood work). I had a heck of a time finding a cake recipe that was gluten-free AND egg-free and that actually had good reviews. I ended up switching tracks and going with a flourless banana muffin recipe, substituting applesauce for the eggs and maple syrup for the brown sugar, and baked it in a 6-inch cake pan. I wanted to avoid a ton of sugar so I frosted it in plain whipped cream and added some sprinkles. Joseph loved the frosting and the sprinkles, and I snagged a couple bites of the cake – it was actually good!
He was showered with gifts and toys and should certainly not be bored for many months to come!
Duke and Einstein had a great time entertaining, of course, but were tuckered out by the end of the day :)
We had such a fun day with family celebrating Joseph’s first year… While I’ve been feeling nostalgic and a little sad that this last year has gone by so quickly, I’m also so excited to continue to watch Joseph grow and learn, and develop even more of his own personality.
Being his mom is the best gift I’ve ever been given.
Happy Birthday Joseph you are a little handsome man. I love your mom’s cooking too. God Bless.
Happy Birthday, Joseph. It’s been wonderful to see him grown. Enjoyed your recipes, but also the the pictures of Joseph and the dogs. Joseph is too cute for words. Thanks for sharing these memories with us. Look forward to more pictures of your family.
Happy Belated Birthday Joseph. He is such a darling. Little ones grow up so fast. Enjoy him while he is still at that little cuddly stage. Best wishes. Cindy
Happy 1st Birthday Joseph! He is too precious!!
What beautiful pictures. Your stories about your son and life add so much to your site. Love your recipes.
Happy Birthday Joseph! Looks like you had a fun time!
I’ve loved seeing your pictures of Joseph & the dogs this last year. Thanks for you recipes too. Happy to be a follower of you blog!
He is so cute! Glad all went well at the party! One year went by so quickly.
Thanks so much for sharing the b-day party w/ us. Joseph is beyond adorable in his fancy duds! Your cake decorating skillz are phenomenal… and it sounds delicious!
Hello! Your little Joseph is adorable!
Just wanted to know how much applesauce did you substitute for the 2 eggs? ?
Thanks!
Hi Vanessa, I subbed ½ cup… I read that ¼ cup applesauce for each egg + sometimes an extra ½ teaspoon per egg as well.
I was patiently awaiting the ? pics and they did not dissapoint. Thanks again for sharing. Hugs to the Birthday boy
I hate that I missed this yesterday – but so enjoyed it today! The banner you made was awesome – and PERFECT! Happy birthday to your sweet boy! He looks so cute in his suspenders! I sew and made my boys’ clothes – and always had suspenders on their pants. I think they are adorable!
Aww he is adorable! !!!!
Happy Birthday to Joseph! He is so handsome! God Bless all of you. What a beautiful family.
Joseph looks so formal with those suspenders and bow tie but adorable, lol. the truck might have looked better if it was just a bit bigger for you to decorate/color it, the truck does look like a truck, that is good news. lol the 12 month garland looks nice. the first picture he looks like he is doing that yoga move for balance, so cute. Anyhow, happy bday Joseph and many more to come!
I have my own little Joseph (18 months) and both of us wish your Joseph a very happy birthday! The first year is wonderful and amazing, but there is so much more fun to come!
P.S. – to get me through nursing a baby with numbers allergies, your pecan sandies have been my savior sweet treat! I adapted the recipe to be gluten free (yet, still egg free!) and they are still the cookies that EVERYONE requests I bring anywhere. THANK YOU!!!
Happy 1st birthday Joseph! Everything looks wonderful. We have become quite familiar with allergies in my house over the past 6 years. My husband and oldest daughter were both diagnosed celiac and my son was born allergic to milk & soy (he grew out of those by 18 months) and my youngest is allergic to eggs (whites) and peanuts. Have you checked out Minimalist Baker? I made her gf/vegan chocolate cupcakes for my youngest’s 1st birthday ( http://minimalistbaker.com/the-best-vegan-gluten-free-chocolate-cupcakes/ ) last fall and they were AHHHH-MAZING. No one at the party guessed they were gf/vegan and many people said they were among the best cupcakes they’d ever had. Beet puree (and flax eggs) were the secret ingredients. SO GOOD!!! (though I put regular butter in the frosting, b/c BUTTER)
Hi Kerrin, Thanks so much for sharing, I appreciate it!
Am I the only one loving the pictures of a barefoot Joseph! My Katrina is 13 months and constantly taking her socks off too!
Haha! We don’t even put socks on him if we’re at home… since we have hardwood floors and he keeps trying to stand up and walk, he tends to slip with socks, so we just let him go barefoot :)
Happy Birthday to Joseph. As a parent the time goes fast.. enjoy it! Loved the pictures and I am always sharing a recipe or two from your emails.
What a beautiful baby! You’re one of my favorite blogs. This made me cry. May God bless you and your family. ❤️
Oh my goodness! I started reading your post and before you even mentioned it, I was wondering how your recipes would change if Joseph had allergies. My daughter was diagnosed with allergies to dairy, eggs, oats and wheat at 6 months and finding a birthday cake recipe was HARD! Your recipes are always my go-to for special occasions. I’d love to hear about any recipes you try or create that are egg-free! She has already outgrown her wheat and oat allergy. Good luck navigating the world of food allergies. There are many resources but it can still be stressful.
Happy 1st Birthday, Joseph! I enjoyed reading all about your party and you looked absolutely adorable! Have a wonderful, blessed next year!!
Your Joseph is a darling little man! Thank you for sharing pictures. I had a friend whose child was allergic to eggs. She substituted club soda for the eggs in her baking recipes. The texture was a little different — more cornbread like but the taste was good. Enjoy these precious years — they grow up so quick. My first “baby” is graduating from high school this spring.
J have so enjoyed watching Joseph grow this first year. He is a beautiful boy now, and will grow into a handsome stunner, I’m sure. His little “braces” (old fashioned suspenders) are adorable and the perfect touch.
Happy Birthday to your son! He looks so cute in his Sunday best. I really like that garland you made with a picture for every month. You are very creative!
Happy Birthday to your beautiful little boy. We’ve all enjoyed watching him grow and look forward to each Friday posting with new pictures. I feel like a “kinda grandma” whenever I see his smiling little face!
Happy Birthday Sweet Joseph! It has been so fun watch you grow up into such a handsome toddler! I have enjoyed hearing all about you from your incredible mommy and look forward to watch you grow up! Thank you mommy for all your updates on Joseph and your your beautiful dogs.
What a cutie!! Love, love the birthday outfit! You are very lucky to have Joseph in your life.
OMG WHAT A CUTE OUTFIT on such a CUTE LITTLE MAN!!! Happy Birthday Joseph.
I’m sure he had a great birthday. He really is a beautiful baby. God bless him!!!
Happy Birthday Joseph!
I so do enjoy your Mom’s blog. You have some really cute furry friends!
Linda
Happy Birthday to cute little Joseph!
Blessings,
Edye
YAY!!! Happy Birthday, Joseph (and Many More!!) and here are the Beatles singing YOUR birthday song!!! :D https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjF1bG5LUcs
Happy B-day, Joseph
Happy Birthday to your gorgeous Son! He clearly is aware he is adored by all who know him thus far. I am sorry to hear about the Allergies but I know sometimes you outgrow them. I was allergic to Peanuts of all kinds when I was child and now I am only Allergic to Peanut Oil. I can eat Peanut Butter and make Peanut Butter Cookies. Hopefully your Joseph will outgrow his Allergies too!
Congrats on your first year of Motherhood. You have done a splendid job. I am going to bake the Cake you made for Joseph as I am a Vegan and it is a terrific recipe!
:)
Elle in New Jersey
Happy Birthday to Joseph! XOXO…..from México.
Happy Birthday blessings! Thank you for sharing this beautifully photographed and written post. Joseph is so precious! Awesome job mom and dad! :-)
Happy Birthday Joseph! It has been nice to watch him grow this year. Hope he can have some cousins. Have always been close to several of mine.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSEPH! Thank you for sharing your very special day with us!
Love his outfit…MY, isn’t he a handsome little fella! My grandson turned 3 on the 12th…he is so into trucks! (aren’t all little boys!?) Loved the photo garland….what a neat idea!
Happy Birthday Joseph!
He is getting so big. Thank you for sharing with us!
01.19.2016 THANKS FOR SHARING Joseph’s first B-day! I can’t believe how much he has grown and how handsome he is today! Count your blessings because you have a wonderful child, husband, family, beautiful pets, you are an outstanding cook who has a successful food blog! You have it all girl, hang on to it. J.
I began following your site for the great baking, the golden’s which we share a love of, and to watch you become a mom and have this beautiful son to remind me of those beautiful days of motherhood. He is a sweet boy, mine is now 42 and has his own children, and I’m the happy grandmother. Thanks for sharing all these special moments, I enjoy a life that is being lived with joy, may you continue to have the happiest year with your lovely family and this great blog.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE LITTLE GUY, JOSEPH !!! ? ????#1
Happy Birthday Joseph! He is too cute! I love the photo garland.
Love this post! Your little boy is adorable!! I’m sure you get suggestions like these all the time, but I thought I’d put in my two cents… My niece has severe allergies, including eggs and dairy. So I’ve tried MANY different vegan cake and cookie recipes and been disappointed a lot, but have also been very pleasantly surprised. The best chocolate cake recipe I’ve come across is Minimalist Baker’s One Bowl Chocolate Cake (http://minimalistbaker.com/one-bowl-vegan-chocolate-cake/). And my favorite (so far!) vegan chocolate chip cookie recipe is from the Ovenly cookbook (recipe is available on Food52).
Happy Birthday Joseph!
Happy Birthday, Joseph!!
And congrats to you and the hubs for surviving year one!!
Happy Birthday Joseph ? He’s such a little cutie. I find myself waiting to see new pics of him posted. I’m in love with those suspenders.
Thanks so much for sharing your recipes with us and especially the growth of your little cutie Joseph. It’s such a please to get to know a little about my favorite bloggers.
Thank you for sharing Joseph with us – he is cute & such fun to watch grow up. I love the suspenders and bowtie.
Did you every imagine two years ago you would have this little guy in your life? Oye look at that face!
No, absolutely not, and he’s the best thing in this entire world.
A happy, happy birthday to Joseph.
I’ve been watching Your baby grow into a toddler. Isn’t it exciting. Looks like you had a wonderful day. You have so much to look forward to each day. Much happiness to you all. Thanks for sharing your joy! It’s always a bright spot in my day.
Kathleen
Awww…just love looking at these pictures. He’s adorable and I enjoy your pictures of Duke and Einstein as well (being a fellow golden owner). I just read an earlier post of yours with your foodie resolutions. I thought I’d pass along the website for a local butcher North of Pittsburgh. It’s fun to read their story about why they started Northwoods Ranch and they are a wonderful family. http://www.nwoodsranch.com/p/our-story.html
Keep enjoying Joseph as the time flies by so quickly! Thanks for your enjoyable posts!
Jane
What a sweetie! Happy Birthday Joseph!
He’s beautiful!
You are blessed! What a beautiful boy! What a fun life ahead of you! So many really good blogs available for cooking for loved ones with allergies. Excited that we may even see some on your site. So much available to us today. Enjoy!
Happy Birthday Joseph! Love the outfit and it looks like you had a lot of fun. I like the monthly picture banner you made. It’s fun to look back and see how they have grown. Thank you for sharing your handsome little boy with us! <3
Happy Birthday to your little guy and many returns! =)
Happy birthday Joseph love your outfit. Mom and Dad enjoy this time with him it goes so fast. Joseph will be in school before you know it and once that starts the time will really fly.
So cute. Happy Birthday Joseph! It’s been a delight following your first year. :)
Happy Birthday Joseph!!! You are sooooooo adorable and I can tell you are going to be one handsome young gentleman. Best wishes for good health and happiness in the coming year! xoxoxo
I’m dying over the adorableness of it all! Too cute! I hate to hear that about his food allergies! Hopefully he will outgrow them with time. The cakes you made are so cute! Have you heard of frozen buttercream transfers? It makes it easier to make a character or object to place on a cake. That might be helpful for future birthday cakes ;) Enjoy this time! Kiddos just grow up to darn fast, I tell ‘ya…
Hi Amy, I had not heard of frozen buttercream transfers, but I will definitely be looking it up for next year! Thanks so much!
Happy birthday to Joseph! It’s been fun watching him grow over the last year :)
Loved the suspenders! Now his little legs just need to grow longer to fill out those pants, haha. He is adorable! Thanks for writing about his very special first birthday.
Wow! Can’t believe Joseph is a year old already! You’re a handsome boy! Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday to Joseph! He’s such a cutie. Thanks for sharing.
Happy birthday to the dashing young man! I love his bow tie :D
All the best to you and your family!
Happy Birthday, Joseph! Everything for his party looked perfect! Can’t wait to go back and look at the cake recipes you linked. And the picture garland is awesome! LOVE that idea! Speaking from experience, each day, each year will grow to be more precious. My first child is also a boy, and he’s now 25 and getting married in October. So many wonderful memories yet for you to make with your sweet boy! Enjoy this special day, Michelle!
And I was just about to ask you yesterday how Joseph’s birthday party went over the weekend! Thanks so much for sharing all of his cute pictures, and from the look on his face, it sure looks like he had a great time, Michelle!
Adorable! Happy birthday Joseph- time sure does fly by having kids. We have 3 and a 5-yr old boys & I couldn’t tell you how quickly it goes by. Enjoy every minute!
Happy Birthday Joseph! He and I share the same birthday…though a few years apart ;) His birthday outfit is SO adorable!!
I’m sorry to hear about his allergies. My 7 year old is anaphylactic to eggs and peanuts. We first learned of his peanut allergy when he went into anaphylaxis after stealing a bite of his big brother’s PB sandwich at 15 months old…and his next ana reaction was to egg in mayonnaise a few months later. This March will be 6 years since we started down the food allergy road, and though it’s a huge part of our life, it has become very manageable.
Thanks for sharing Joseph’s activities. That little guy is one lucky boy to be surrounded by so much love. As I was reading the post, I remembered “boy” cake idea I saw posted on another bog a while back. I shared it with a friend and she recreated it for her son’s birthday. I thought you might like to see it so I sent you an email and attached the photo. It might be a good jumping off point for ideas for next year.
So sweet. Happy Birthday Joseph!
Thanks for sharing Joseph’s first year and first birthday with us. I’ve loved watching him grow into such a beautiful little boy and you into a wonderful mom! Keep it up!
Happy Birthday Joseph! Woohoo! i think you did a great job on the cake decorating for a “first” birthday – it will get easier with more practice. He looked so happy and the pic of him with his tongue out to the side in his “Sunday” best is too cute! Here is a link to egg free gluten free nut free baking substitutes: http://mjr.earthbalancenatural.com/egg-free-and-vegan-gluten-free-baking/
Hi Maria, Thanks for sharing!
Joseph looks sooooooo cute! I’m glad the party was a success. I hope he outgrows those allergies too – they do not sound like fun. Poor guy.
Happy Birthday to Joseph! Enjoy watching him grow on your blog.
Just wanted to make a comment about sprinkles and allergies. Sometimes they are manufactured on lines that also do nut ingredients.
Thank you so much for letting me know, Julie! I’ll be sure to check the label before using them again (I got them bulk at my grocery store)!
Awww such a sweet boy. Happy Birthday Joseph!
Happy Birthday, Joseph! Precious little boy and adorable Einstein! My first baby just turned 45 years old in December! Enjoy!
What a cutie! Thanks for sharing…what a great start to my day as I was all smiles looking at the pic’s!
tHanks for sharing. your Joseph is perfect! Love seeing the pictures. Your birthday celebration was amazing…you are too hard on yourself. I thought the cake was store bought.
I read an article in out local paper about egg allergies and they recommend the liquid from canned beans is the perfect substitute for eggs. Not sure i understand the chemistry, but they swear by it. Your son is glorious (mine turned 27 at christmas, time flies enjoy it!!)
Thank you for sharing Joseph’s big day!!! Love it!!!
Happy birthday to Joseph!!
I jus have to tell you… My husband and I have always dreamed of having a little boy and naming him Joseph (it’s sort of a family name here and there on both sides). Last year, when YOUR Joseph was born, I was still suffering major grief from a miscarriage I had a couple weeks prior. It was bittersweet for me, and I decided to just live vicariously through you until we got our own! We struggled for a very long time to get pregnant, before and after my miscarriage, but I am happy to say that we are exactly 5 months away from the due date for our very own Joseph :-) I have loved watching your Joseph grow up and it makes me even more excited for ours. Thank you for sharing so much– I have been following you for about 8 years and I have loved every second! Give an extra squeeze to that cutie of yours!
Congratulations, Lynn! Your brief story really brought joy to my heart for you and your husband. Wishing you many blessings and the Lord’s protection over you these next months when your very own Joseph arrives.
Aww Lynn, I’m so sorry for your loss, but I am so thrilled for you. I wish you a healthy remainder of your pregnancy and a safe delivery! Let me know when your Joseph arrives :)
Happy birthday, Joseph!
Happy Birthday Joseph…you look so handsome and happy. Wow, I can’t believe it’s been a year already. Love the cakes.
Happy Birthday to Joseph — and me! Today I turn, well, much older than 1!
Happy (belated) birthday to you, Sally! xo
Happy Birthday Dear Joseph, wishing you many years to come.
He looks absolutely handsome x
Happy birthday to Joseph! Today my daughter turns 5! It’s incredible how fast time flies! ! ! all the best!
Happy birthday to your daughter!!
Happy birthday Joseph, my how they change through a year! Hope you all created great memories with your family and friends.
Thank you for sharing your joy with us, have a great day with your number one little man : )
Happy Birthday , Joseph!
Thanks for sharing with us, he’s such a beautiful little boy! Looks like he had a great time celebrating his birthday!
Hope for you it’s not too much work to avoid foods for his allergies.
Yay for Joseph and his mom!