Hank's Very Hungry Caterpillar 1st Birthday

I can't believe we've all survived the first year!  It's definitely something to celebrate.  There were times (early on) that I thought we'd never make it.  But mostly this first year has really flown by, especially after I returned to work (when he was 3.5 months old).  It's been a blur.  Hank's not sleeping through the night yet, that's the biggest thing we're looking forward to some day.  But he's a very competent crawler (and nearly walker), and is a very smart little guy.  He's picking up on the sign language we've been teaching him, but I can't wait until he's talking!

So, back to his birthday party....I decided on A Very Hungry Caterpillar theme mainly because it's just a really cute book.  Eric Carle's artwork is so amazing.  I couldn't resist buying Hank the Very Hungry Caterpillar bedding from Pottery Barn Kids a few months ago - it's just too dang cute.

Here's a picture of the invitation:

One of the most time consuming parts of the party-planning was making his cake.  I made a chocolate cake with vanilla bean buttercream.  I made the frosting a few days ahead of time, and was so glad I did, because it took me 2 hours!  But boy, was it worth it - yum!  Not too sweet.  Very rich. 

My sister, Emily, helped me decorate the cake.  I had taken the day before his party off work, but Julian ended up working a 15-hour day.  So I was lucky my sister could help me, because I wouldn't have been able to get it all done without her.  Julian had planned on making some cool fondant decorations, but since he wasn't able to Em just rolled it out and I put a bunch of polka dots around the cake (a nod to the book).

Hank after he ate some pink fondant that my sister gave him.

All decorated!

I bought this fondant decoration off Etsy.

I wanted to make a banner, because I'd made one for my sister, Anne's, baby shower and had fun with it.  I made this one below, and hung it across our front stoop.

I also wanted to do something with felt, because I never have.  So I made this tablecloth below with the felt Very Hungry Caterpillar.  I never did get a shot of the table with all the food, darn it. 

The party was a picnic theme.  The menu was: 4 different kinds of sandwiches from East Side Deli, homemade pesto pasta salad, a fresh fruit salad, chips, and pickles.  Plus my sister brought some brie, crackers, and olives. 

Julian's Mom, Edith, with Hank.

My good friend, Hayley, holding her daughter, Elsa, and me, holding my new nephew, Lucas.

Our little friend, Oliver.

Me and Hank blowing out the one candle.

My niece, Scarlett, who has to get (nearly) naked at every opportunity.

Cake-cutting time!

My brother, JK, "helping" Hank eat some birthday cake.  My niece, Skylar (JK's daughter), is on the right.

Hank got the idea, and does not need a fork.

Hank opening up some presents.

Our little friend, Adeline.

JK giving Hank a ride.

Hank got to try his first sucker.

Right before bed, playing with his balloons.