Desi’s First Birthday Party

Desi's First Birthday Party

Before you read any more of this post, or scroll through these pictures of Desi's first birthday party, you should know that there is nothing Pinterest-perfect about my planning. Honestly, I'm just impressed that we pulled something together at all!

As much as I love attending parties that are beautifully decorated with gourmet donut walls and handmade fabric bunting, there is no world that exists where I make that happen. In my world, my family bands together, gets a cheap (but surprisingly awesome) balloon garland from Amazon, and orders enough BBQ to feed the entire block.

Desi's first birthday party was a huge success, but not because of Pinterest-perfect decorations or food, but because of the people there. suzyquilts.com
Desi's first birthday party was a huge success, but not because of Pinterest-perfect decorations or food, but because of the people there. suzyquilts.com

The one thing I did plan, however, was Desi's shirt. I got this adorable shirt from an Etsy shop that printed his name on the back. The only bummer is that by next week he will be too big to wear it. This kid won't stop growing!

Desi's first birthday party was a huge success, but not because of Pinterest-perfect decorations or food, but because of the people there. suzyquilts.com

Since we live in Chicago and most of my family lives in Kansas City, the Quilts family relocated to Missouri for the weekend. With someone else hosting the party I got to actually relax and enjoy it. I almost felt guilty how relaxed I felt! Almost...

Desi's first birthday party was a huge success, but not because of Pinterest-perfect decorations or food, but because of the people there. suzyquilts.com

Aside from some balloons and this Party City garland, we chose not to spend time on birthday decor. Thankfully the kids didn't seem to mind. Destroying my niece and nephew's playroom was their top priority...

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Desi's first birthday party was a huge success, but not because of Pinterest-perfect decorations or food, but because of the people there. suzyquilts.com
Desi's first birthday party was a huge success, but not because of Pinterest-perfect decorations or food, but because of the people there. suzyquilts.com
Desi's first birthday party was a huge success, but not because of Pinterest-perfect decorations or food, but because of the people there. suzyquilts.com
Desi's first birthday party was a huge success, but not because of Pinterest-perfect decorations or food, but because of the people there. suzyquilts.com
Desi's first birthday party was a huge success, but not because of Pinterest-perfect decorations or food, but because of the people there. suzyquilts.com
Desi's first birthday party was a huge success, but not because of Pinterest-perfect decorations or food, but because of the people there. suzyquilts.com
Desi's first birthday party was a huge success, but not because of Pinterest-perfect decorations or food, but because of the people there. suzyquilts.com

And this is what happens when you leave the kid's table unattended around a one-year old...

Desi's first birthday party was a huge success, but not because of Pinterest-perfect decorations or food, but because of the people there. suzyquilts.com
Desi's first birthday party was a huge success, but not because of Pinterest-perfect decorations or food, but because of the people there. suzyquilts.com

And of course we couldn't be in Kansas City during Super Bowl weekend without a Patrick Mahomes cake. Or at least that's what my brother told me when we showed up at his house and instead of a birthday cake there was a Patrick Mahomes cake.

Apparently he's a big deal on The Chiefs? I had to sneak away and Google him.

Desi's first birthday party was a huge success, but not because of Pinterest-perfect decorations or food, but because of the people there. suzyquilts.com
Desi's first birthday party was a huge success, but not because of Pinterest-perfect decorations or food, but because of the people there. suzyquilts.com

Confession: I'm that mom that didn't want to feed her kid cake on his birthday. He's never had sugar before! Well, this party is further proof that in a battle of wills, Desi has a good chance of coming out on top. After eating his healthy "cookie" he stole most of his cousin's cake. Spoiler alert: he loved it.

Desi's first birthday party was a huge success, but not because of Pinterest-perfect decorations or food, but because of the people there. suzyquilts.com
Desi's first birthday party was a huge success, but not because of Pinterest-perfect decorations or food, but because of the people there. suzyquilts.com

Do you see that plate of unappetizing brown things in the bottom corner? Those are his special cookies. I guess I don't blame him for preferring red velvet cake and buttercream icing. However, I stand by this recipe and think they are surprisingly good!

To make these vegan cookies you only need 3 ingredients:

  • 3 bananas
  • 1/2 c. almond butter
  • 1/2 c. cocoa powder
Desi's first birthday party was a huge success, but not because of Pinterest-perfect decorations or food, but because of the people there. suzyquilts.com

After so much sugar and excitement, this little dude crashed hard at 6:30pm – which was just fine by me!

Desi's first birthday party was a huge success, but not because of Pinterest-perfect decorations or food, but because of the people there. suzyquilts.com

And that's a wrap, folks! We kept our kid alive for a whole year! Time to take a break, right?

lololol! Oh gosh. What a funny joke....

27 thoughts on “Desi’s First Birthday Party

  1. Janequiltsslowly says:

    Happy Birthday Desi! Congratulations Mom & Dad! It’s an amazing accomplishment just getting through that first year.

  2. Farah Yunos says:

    Happy birthday, Desi! Can’t believe he’s one already! The pictures are amazing and everyone looked like they had the best time, so I would say that makes his party hugely successful. Despite it having sans gourmet donut walls & handmade fabric deco lol

    • Jill P Davis says:

      No one will remember the decorations or lack of them. But they will remember the members present and the love in the family! Happy birthday adorable Desi!

  3. Kathrin says:

    Happy Birthday little one!!! I never understand those people with perfectly designed kids parties. Of course it looks nice and you might have pretty pics to show around afterwards – but it’s just not worth all the stress!!!! The party should be fun and everyone (including parents!) should enjoy it. It’s far more important to have a great time with your loved ones than a pretty decoration, those memories are the ones that count!!!

  4. Barbara says:

    I just love you included this in your email today. Happy birthday, Desi, Mom and Dad! I scrolled and smiled my way through Desi’s party. xo

  5. Caroline Saganash says:

    Thank you Suzi for Sharing pictures if the handsome birthday boy! He’s adorable! Happy 1st Birthday to Desi and you and your husband is doing a great job as parents! ❤️

  6. Sarah Thering says:

    I just love your postings – especially ones about Desi and your family. I’m a Grandma of 5 with all kids grown up and it’s so fun to see you going through this stage of life. Really loved the birthday party (Desi is lucky to have so many cousins)! And … I love all your quilting guides, patterns, words of wisdom. Thanks for it all!

  7. Jean Blythe says:

    Happy birthday to Desi! Proud and happy momma! He’s growing fast. I have no idea why that’s a Patrick Mahomes cake, though I know he’s a football player for the Chiefs, in Kansas City, Missouri! Lol!

  8. Cathy Payne says:

    Happy Birthday Desi!!’ Congrats to mom and dad! Beautiful pictures……thank you for sharing them!!! Hard to believe it’s been a year!!! Thank you again!

  9. Terry Ginter says:

    Thank you for sharing the birthday photos. You are absolutely right that the year went quickly/slowly. It’s quite a phenomenon that we can never explain!! I now have great grandsons Desi’s age…….and that, too, happened overnight!! God bless your little family!

  10. Beverly says:

    Great pictures! Great smiles! Your little one is sooooo cute and I can’t believe it’s been a year. Time just flies. Looks like everyone had a wonderful time. P.s. I never heard of that cake either but it looked good.

  11. Christine E-E says:

    This is a REAL life party. I appreciate your honest depiction of families who celebrate! Love the pic of Desi banging on the xylophone with a toothbrush. YEP! You would have found a scene like that in our celebrations.

  12. Sheryl says:

    That first year is a killer, esp for first-time parents. Congratulations!
    Lovely photos to capture the event. But really, Suzy, you have a boy;
    time to tune in to some football! YES, Mahomes IS a big deal.

  13. SuzyShep says:

    Can’t believe I am just getting around to seeing these pix. Looks like a lot of fun was had by all, including and especially the birthday boy. Love, love, love the pix with all the kiddos playing together. Babies and littles are just so much fun. Happy (belated) birthday wishes to Desi and wishes to Mom and Dad Quilts, too, for another good year of keeping their kiddo alive and thriving.

  14. Liz Stepanian says:

    oh I laughed that you had to google Patrick Mahomes! That is great!! Now I have to try those cookies! I am intrigued. Way to go to get this far no sugar 🙂

  15. vanessa Tait says:

    happy Birthday Desi. I actually started following you I think just after he was born so its been lovely seeing your journey its not all its cracked up to be sometimes but you made it 🙂

  16. MONICA WALLACE says:

    Little Desi, Happy Birthday! Seems like you were just born a few months ago, its been a real treat watching you Grow!

    Blessings, from Grandma to 6

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