Whale Shark Themed 1st Birthday Party

And there it was, a whole year, just passed by in the blink of an eye.

This year was just crazy.

Aside from getting used to a newborn in our daily life, we went to Japan twice (once for my grandma’s goodbye, and once for travel), Utah, California, and other small trips here and there. Looking back, it’s crazy, but it’s how it worked out and we’re thankful, because all the trips were necessary for different reasons. I think we have caught a serious case of wanderlust in the meanwhile and we’re itching to go somewhere after not going anywhere for only a couple months.

Anyway, Hiro has been a trooper through it all, we couldn’t have been more thankful he’s healthy and just a happy baby overall and everything we’re able to do because of that.

To celebrate, we had an intimate birthday party with close friends and family.

I had a hard time deciding on a theme for this party. It’s hard with one-year-olds because they don’t quite have a super favorite thing yet, so putting a really strong theme like Hero (thought it was cute since it sounds like his name) didn’t feel really right for me.
We ended up with my original idea, “whale shark” theme but tried to focus more of a color and pattern, which was light blue and charcoal grey tones with stripes and polka dots — kind of like the pattern on the whale sharks.

I chose whale shark idea because….

1. I love whale sharks (I have a Marine bio degree and worked at aquariums working with fish- They’re the largest fish species!)

2. It’s giant but gentle and peaceful (with the hope for him to grow up to be strong with a gentle heart) . And lastly…

3. He was born on International Whale Shark Day!

Thank you to everyone that made it out to celebrate with us!

Decor and stationery by yours truly, Bluefin Works.

Special thanks to my mom and mother in law for helping me make the amazing desserts and food, and Josh for always helping decorate and tear down.

Some facts about him at one year mark…

• He’s walking (waddling), clapping, giggling, pointing, grunting (trying to communicate).
• He loves watermelon, corn on the cob, eating things with his hands,  his sister, digging in dirt, water, bath time, walking outside, dancing to beats, sticks (drumming), taking things out of the pantry, going into cabinets, playing with cars, putting things into things (not just taking things out anymore!).
• He hates being in car seats (just like Mae when she was a baby).
• He has had six teeth for a while and seems to have stopped (what’s up with that?).

Happy Birthday Buddy!