Florida #4: First Birthday!

Whilst we were away, Asher had his first birthday.

Wow. One!

I keep thinking thoughts along the lines of "This time last year..." (and being quite glad that it isn't this time last year, much though I enjoyed it!)

I made him a cake (of course), braving the aisles of Publix to purchase marzipan, food colouring and actual cake ingredients. I was planning to do a black cat (like Marmite) and even had black food colouring in my hand at the checkout when Noah's mum suggested that it might be a bit dull. I'm very glad she did! Rainbow cat turned out much better:

I kind of like the Christmas lights in the background. It was still January 6th in America when this photo was taken, although it was the 7th here. In fact I took this around about exactly the time Asher was born (2:38am) - so does that mean his American birthday is the day before his British one?

Asher's birthday was our last full day in the States. We went out to Big Lou's for lunch with whatever family members were not working at the time. Asher enjoyed playing with his spaghetti, Noah got a free pizza because they made a mistake taking his order and of course we all had a good time.

Asher chewed happily on his party hat but was not very keen on wearing it. Sorry for the blurry photo - it was darkish inside the restaurant so we didn't get many clear ones.

He had one present to amuse him before lunch arrived. Asher's favourite part of it was definitely the bow, which he patted, pulled and chewed. What with two Christmasses and one birthday in just over a week, the little fellow is becoming quite adept at opening presents.

Wahoo! Party!!

Noah was about to light the candle when the food arrived.

Asher's spaghetti was so interesting that he even wore the hat for a minute or so! When we were all rather full we had another cake attempt.

I helped blow out the candle. Asher was really interested in it, and I think he enjoyed everybody singing happy birthday to him. After the cake (which he did taste, and enjoyed, especially the icing) he opened the rest of his presents and cards. Then we took him to O2B, a kind of after school club except it's open all the time and kids can go there with parents as well as in groups from school. It has lots of different areas; Asher enjoyed the toddler area which had a big soft rainbow bridge and a ball pool. I *may* have abandoned him with his Nana and gone gallivanting on the soft play... but only after a little encouragement.

All in all I think Asher really enjoyed his day. Happy first birthday, Baby Boy!