This time last year, Mike and I were on to the second hospital of Atlas’ birth story and starting to settle in to our new routine of daily trips to the NICU.  While living in it, it was hard to look past the 8hr days spent along Atlas’ bedside, the drives home from the hospital leaving our bubba behind, and the baby-less nights in our condo -which we woke from to do it all over again.  Fast forward 1 year later; our daily routine now involves a 7am baby wake up call, a daddy day care drop off, and a mommy daycare pick up.   Can you believe that we’ve have made it to 1 year of Atlas!?!

Amongst the many baby related items that crossed my mind during pregnancy, it should come as no surprise that several of these thoughts were ‘baby’s first birthday party’ related; the theme possibilities, the color direction, the dessert table – all the options + all the combinations.  Ultimately, once we got to know our little explorer, I knew that he needed a party that celebrated his curious spirit.  Inspired by Wes’ Anderson’s whimsically nostalgic movie feels and my love for the shore-side Moonrise Kingdom dance scene to Francois Hardy, naturally, I thought… “let’s go camping!”

As usual, Mike oversaw the menu [which included POGOs, pulled pork sandwiches and a surprise selection of Filipino foods from my Mom] and I obsessed over the décor and desserts. Here are the details that helped bring Atlas’ outdoor adventure Moonrise Kingdom birthday party to life.

The Birthday Invitations

Invites + envelopes + seals: Vista Print
Calligraphy: By Me
Envelope liner paper: The Paper Place
Decorative arrows: DIY

 

AT’s Khaki Scout Supply Shop

Canteens + binoculars: Birthday In a Box
Hot cocoa tins: Michaels [these were apart of the holiday decor and I got them on clearance for under $2ea!!!!]
Yellow scout neckers: DIY made from yellow broadcloth from a local fabric store on Queen St. West; all for only $3.50/yd
Khaki Scout badges: Handmade with Tacky Glue + felt from Michaels

 

The Campsite

Teepee: Kidicomfort
Fire pit:  DIY made from felt [fr. Michaels] + batting [from an throw old pillow]
Foam floor: Skip Hop
Balloons: Micheals [helium fr. Dollar Store and More in Liberty Village – they were an inadvertent splurge at $20/balloon]
Toy bin: Homesense

 

The Dessert Table

Helium filled foil Balloon: Dollar Store and More [Liberty Village]
Felt letter board + record box + vintage luggage boxes: Homesense
Large letter board letters: purchased at Morba
Triangle garland: an easy sewing DIY with paper from Michaels
Donut stand: borrowed from Atlas’ Melissa and Doug wooden stacking blocks
Vintage Lanterns: purchased from an antique store on Queen St. West
Greenery wall: rented from a person on Kijiji -It was definitely a splurge but I figured considering the time and money I would have spent on balloons and an install, it would deliver just as big an impact with much less of my time and effort

Milkbar inspired bday cakes: DIY instructions ->here<-
Cake Stand: Ikea DIY
Paper Chandelier: DIY from dollar store finds [I hope to share the tutorial soon]

*Custom Donut Hack: I ordered a dozen plain Old Fashion donuts from Tim Horton’s [for day of party pick up] then simply dipped them in pink candy melts and topped them with sprinkles.  

The Khaki Scout Uniform

Romper: Mini Mioche

The Loot Bags

Party hats: Meri Meri
Lunch bags: Dollarama
Calligraphy: By Me
Tags: Shoppers Drugmart
Stickers: Vista Print

Each day at the NICU I looked forward to Atlas’ weigh-in and immediately texted Mike the results as we patiently tracked his weight gain looking forward to that 5lb mark. Now, we have a healthy and happy 19lb baby and, though born 2 months early, he is measuring up against both the 10 and 12 month old growth charts. Our little bean has come so far; he’s now a beanstalk.  Happy 1year Atlas! We Love you!

NOTE: This party was by far my most DIY’d.  It took a lot of time and planning to put together [I started DIY-ing a bit over a month out] but, don’t be fooled… I had time to spare as Atlas was/is in daycare and I had yet to start work.  Also, my mom surprised us and flew out for her grandson’s first birthday.  She helped cook for the party and was a spare set of hands to watch A.T. while Mike and I ran around getting things prepped.  I am not a 1 woman operation and it definitely takes a village… to throw a first birthday party. LOL  🙂 

 

 

PHOTOGRAPHY
Newborn Photo: Kristin Tiffany Photography
Event Photography: Tania Cannarella Photography