Master Z / Mummy Life / Parenting Milestones / Photography

First Birthday Celebrations: Part 1

Yesterday, the family and I celebrated Baby Z’s first year in this world with two cakes, a lovely Italian meal and plenty of smiles and laughter (along with a little whinging from Baby Z of course!). This is only Part 1 of Baby Z’s first birthday celebrations as this is the “Home Affair”, whilst the birthday party is being held over the weekend at our house, and I shall be blogging about that too in Part 2!

Below I have shared the highlights of the wonderful day that was Part 1!

Cake Number 1: I baked a (higgledy-piggledy) little cake with my trusted Plain White Betty Crocker packet (Come on, who has time to actually weigh out all the ingredients and so on with a teething baby?!) and added my little touch of blue food colouring for the *Birthday WOW* once you slice into the cake! I shakily expertly decorated the cake using blue icing sugar to complete the dish!

Baby Z’s Birthday Cake 1: Photo taken by MOMM
Cutting Baby Z’s Birthday Cake 1: Photo taken by MOMM

We then headed off to dinner which was to be at Arjaan, by Rotana Hotels in Dubai. We dined in their Arabesque Cafe, which was catering an Italian themed cuisine that night. The interior was absolutely lovely, and the buffet spread was delicious. However, it was their superb customer service that really stood out! I would highly recommend this place for a great meal and outstanding hospitality!

Arjaan Entrance, Rotana, Dubai : Photo taken by MOMM
Arabesque Cafe, Arjaan, Rotana, Dubai: Photo taken by MOMM
Beautiful Interior inside Arjaan, Rotana: Photo taken by MOMM
Baby Z loved the super soft couches inside Arjaan, Rotana: Photo taken by MOMM

The Dinner: The Italian themed menu had many yummy dishes including Pasta, Lasagna, Caprese Salad, and Tortellini to name just a few. Though all the dishes were scrumptious, I have an obsession with mini desserts and so that is what I majorly photographed! Cue the mouth drooling…

Buffet at Arabesque Cafe: Photo taken by MOMM
Arabesque Cafe: Photo taken by MOMM
Desserts Section at Arabesque Cafe: Photo taken by MOMM
Desserts Section at Arabesque Cafe: Photo taken by MOMM
Just look at those gorgeous strawberry decor: Photo taken by MOMM
Buffet at Arabesque Cafe: Photo taken by MOMM
Breads and Soup Section at Arabesque Cafe: Photo taken by MOMM

Cake Number 2: Upon knowing that we had come to celebrate Baby Z’s first birthday, the generous staff at Arabesque Cafe offered a complimentary birthday cake to us. It was a rich chocolate cake, and every bite was scrumptious. The staff (apart from giving us this epic cake) were very hospitable and friendly, especially with Baby Z, who very much enjoyed waving to them all.

Complimentary Cake from Arabesque Cafe: Photo taken by MOMM

Birthday Boy and his OOTD:

Baby Z loved trying to walk around the entire cafe area, which was thankfully not so busy. He was crawling around everywhere, and took many steps too, whilst waving at the waitresses (cheeky monkey)! He also quite enjoyed chomping away on some carrot and fish! He was confused as to why we all kept singing Happy Birthday to him, but he loved the attention so was not going to complain!

OOTD of the Birthday Boy: 

Shirt: Matalan Kids

Jeans: Red Tag Baby

Waistcoat: Babyshop UAE

Shoes: Matalan Kids

Baby Z (Birthday Boy!) : Photo taken by MOMM
Baby Z (Birthday Boy!) : Photo taken by MOMM
Baby Z loved walking around and playing Peek-a-Boo : Photo taken by MOMM

Overall, it was a very lovely day and I couldn’t have been happier to spend the day the way we did with the family. I’m still in denial of course that my baby boy has actually turned ONE. Am I now supposed to refer to him as Toddler Z? It just doesn’t have the same ring to it! I think I’m going to carry on calling him BABY Z for as long as I can get away with it…(perhaps until he graduates from university?)

Note: I was not paid or asked to review the Arabesque Cafe, Arjaan. All opinions on this blog post are my own.

How did you spend your day when you little one turned ONE? I would love to know, so please feel free to share in the comments section below! 

Comments

Le Coin de Mel
May 16, 2015 at 11:42 pm

Stunning photos, and that food looks divine! My youngest will be one in a few weeks’ time. Time flies, doesn’t it?



Sian | The Mama Story
May 21, 2015 at 5:37 pm

Looks like a lovely day. I love his outfit – so smart! And those desserts – wow!



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