Photos from Levi's first birthday party in NJ

Little Levi was lucky enough to celebrate his first birthday three times! My parents hosted a small party in NJ for family and close friends the weekend before he turned one, we went out to eat on his actually birthday, and JB and I threw a backyard bash in Omaha for friends and our parents this past weekend.

Here are some photos taken at Levi’s first 1st birthday party. I was not-so-secretly relieved when my mom offered to throw Levi a birthday party because I was feeling anxious about my baby become a toddler and about wanting to throw him a memorable (and Pinterest-worthy) affair. This “pre-party” was an opportunity for me to enjoy Levi’s big day without the self-imposed pressure of having to be the “hostess with the mostess.”

It was also such a treat to be able share Levi’s big milestone with his two great-grandmothers plus my aunt and uncle. One of JB’s college buddies (who was a groomsman at our wedding) and one of my oldest friends and her fiancé stopped by the party, and it was so much fun to catch up with them, too.

But the highlight of the afternoon was serving Levi his homemade smash cake. Strapped into his highchair wearing just a diaper and a “Birthday Boy” bib, Levi was surprisingly hesitant about digging in, so I let him taste a little bit of the frosting off my finger. I was so totally focused on encouraging Levi to eat his cake that I was caught completely off guard when JB decided to mush a mini cupcake in my face! Everybody in the kitchen was hysterical, but I had them laughing even harder when I surprised JB with a cupcake to his face. (I can’t believe he didn’t think I would retaliate!)