Molly is now one year old and the celebrations have lasted all week, hence the need for 3 cakes! We had a party on her actual birthday for NCT pals and their siblings, the nursery held a party for her one lunchtime and we had a bigger family party at the weekend (I am still tidying up from the various events!)
I love to make and decorate my own cakes, but the thought of making three, in a kitchen that is currently undergoing some work, in the little time I have, meant that I had to give in and buy two of them. Ben helped me make the other one – he loved colouring the icing and rolling it out, we had icing sugar everywhere! I have attached a picture of our efforts!
As well as having three cakes, Molly has been spoilt rotten with cards and presents. As she mainly plays with Ben’s toys a lot of people opted to buy her clothes – after all they’re so much more fun to buy than boys’ clothes! Her wardrobe is now better than mine. Having a daughter I have now discovered that there is a whole world of hair accessories that I just didn’t know existed! I’m not sure Molly realised what all the fuss was about but she seemed to enjoy opening presents and having happy birthday sung to her.
We had a great pool party on the Saturday (despite a bit of rain!) with our friends and family, and it ended up with curry and drinks back at ours. After all these first birthday parties are really for the adults – aren’t they?!
It did give me time to reflect on her birth a year ago and the few days and weeks following it. I remember Ben holding her when she was only a few hours old and seeing the two of them together. I now look at the two of them playing and interacting and it amazes me how much they have both changed in the last 12 months, and how much pleasure they get from each other. Long may the sibling friendship last!

The birthday girl opening a present:

All dressed up for the party:

Playing pass the parcel:

Molly and cousin Harry hit the pool:

 The kids having fun in the pool:

 Our masterpiece: