As I am passionate about nutrition, cooking and eating healthy, and as of late, food photography, I find myself spending more of my efforts in writing posts that contain recipes and nutritional information. However, I don't want to forget that this blog is also about living and loving colorfully. Ahem, refer to my tagline ;). I blog because I am a girl who loves to cook and experiment in the kitchen. I love to tweak recipes to make them healthier or come up with new ones. I am a Master's student in nutrition and like to share my experience as well as useful information. But that's not all. Although my life is not over-the-top adventurous, glamorous, or exciting, it has its subtle, precious moments that I'd love to share with you.
This weekend was one of those moments. One that I will cherish and remember for years to come.
If you've been following me, you've already met my precious nephew, Noah! If not, he has been the highlight in many of my previous posts, and since you may not have time to go through all of them, how about checking out one that's titled Noah Invasion? 😉 Prepare to use your natural "awwww" reflex.
Well, this bundle of joy had his very 1st birthday party on Saturday!! The party was at Ninfa's Mexican Restaurant where 40 invited + who knows how many unexpected guests (you know what I mean) came to celebrate this momentous occasion.
Noah hasn't been sick once since he was born (unbelievable!), but he decided Friday was the day to surprise his mommy and daddy with a runny nose. It was madness up until the party trying to get everything together. I knew it was going to be a long day when I realized that I didn't bring my mini-bundt cake pan for the party favors. Tim's "that's my MJ" remark did not help any. I ended up using a regular mini cake pan. I was so disappointed...
It was a very long, chaotic day, but with our joint effort, we pulled it off. Well, we could've arrived at the restaurant a bit earlier, but there was a baby involved. That's always a good excuse, right? 😉 By 5:30pm, it was showtime!
The theme of the party - You are my sunshine 😉
Unfortunately this was not the ideal setting for pictures. The walls were painted orange and the yellow glow from the halogen lights did not help the cause. However, I tried my best.
Noah greeted all the guests one by one in his Korean traditional outfit. He looked even more like a full Korean in it.
However, about 30 min into the party, all that was on Noah's mind was sleep. He was not happy when we had to wake him up for the cake cutting. Oh, Noah, I wish you were feeling well...
In our culture, the baby is supposed to pick up an item that's placed before him/her. The items usually consist of money, pencil, chopstick, thread, and book. The one chosen is believed to foretell the baby's future. My sister, however, decided to get quite creative. She had nearly 10 items some of which included soccer ball, computer mouse, golf club, stethoscope...so basically Noah's future would be bright regardless of what was chosen. She's a sneaky one. The crowd gathered around in anticipation to see what Noah would pick up. We waited and waited... wanting for him to grab something...anything. His mom kept trying to put money in the most convenient location, but that didn't work either. After contemplating for a long, long time (with a little lift from his daddy) he picked up the judge's gavel.
After that, he decided it was time to go back to la la land while the adults feasted and mingled.
With my mom, sister, and lil' bro. Unfortunately our dad is in Korea and couldn't make it to the party.
Once everyone left, it was family picture time ;).
I can't believe that Noah is already 1 year old, walking, and now has molars growing in! I am so proud of my sister and my brother-in-law for getting through one of the toughest years of their lives and doing such a marvelous job in raising their lil' angel. Fighting, you guys!!
dixya @ food, pleasure, and health says
Noah is such an adorable baby. Hope he is feeling better. I loved the theme of this party - he really is a sunshine. In Nepali culture too we have similar tradition and its always exciting to see if it will be true 🙂
jessielovestorun says
Noah is such a cutie pie. What a beautiful party. <3
Laurie @ Love, Laugh, Laurie says
Oh my gosh, he is the cutest! And the party looks beautiful and so fun! So so sweet 🙂
Kari @ bite-sized thoughts says
We went to a friend's daugher's first birthday party last Saturday 🙂 It was really, really fun! So much cute going on. Happy birthday to Noah!
coco says
happy birthday to Noah. what a lovely and fun party for him! 🙂 I'm looking forward to my baby's one year party and will use the idea of display a bunch of things for her to grab!
myhealthyohana says
What a beautiful theme! Those cakes are gorgeous! Happy first birthday to Noah! I hope your *future judge* feels better very soon 🙂
We had a smash cake for Malia's first birthday, and I didn't think about how if I let her smash cake and frosting all over her face, what I would do for the rest of the party. The girl needed to have a serious bath right in the middle of her party, haha 🙂
Flake And Cake says
That looks like such a special party Min and Noah is adorable! I love his cake!
carol says
Happy birthday Noah! Does he look adorable in his Korean outfit or what!!!! You have a beautiful family indeed Min. Nice photos.
healthydivaeats says
How sweet!!! Happy 1st birthday Noah! I know how much you love that little guy, he is lucky to have such an awesome aunt like you!
Glad he had a great birthday surrounded by family and loved ones! Bummer your dad could not be there, but I am sure you or your sister will be sharing pics with him!
Love ya girl! <3
Khushboo Thadani says
I love that little tradition of foretelling the child's future...and I'm sure the cheek in me would have done exactly what your sister did by placing only favorable items :)! Happy birthday to Noah...it looks like it was a wonderful party. He is such a cutie and he's getting so big, I remember pics of him from a while ago when he was so tiny!