All parents are proud, and particularly overjoyed, when their little one reaches their first birthday. This is a milestone that needs to be planned carefully. Every parent wants to commemorate this grand occasion. Most will decide to plan a party, and take lots of pictures. But sometimes the event requires, a little more assistance, than you’d thought.

Services provided by companies like Amazing Moms, offer the help you need to plan your baby’s first birthday party. Amazing Moms will assist you first, by giving you party ideas. Deciding on a theme may be your primary plan of action, followed by choosing the right colors for the event.

Parents will need to plan a menu that is baby-friendly. This menu needs to have recipes that accommodate other children, and the rest of your party attendees. Food is an important part of your baby’s first birthday party. And the cake, can make or break the event. It is often a good idea to plan for two cakes. A small one just for your baby, and a larger one for everyone else can work well.

Amazing Moms, also provides information about decoration choices. You can get some great ideas, as well as, see what specific themes can look like. This website can show you different invitation styles, and also what toys may be appropriate for your party.

Getting a little help to plan this big event, can make it fun and even more memorable. After all this occasion only comes by once, so make it wonderful!

Photo by qwrrty

As a new mother, having to send out thank you cards for the baby gifts you’ve received almost seems cruel. You’re tired, your body aches, and all you want to do is nap – not write heart-felt letters of thanks for diaper pails. It isn’t that you don’t appreciate these items, so you can’t skip the cards altogether, but sending them can be exhausting. Here are three easy steps to make the process a bit easier:

Step One: Plan ahead. You should have the thank you cards purchased and ready to go before you go into labor. You probably already know most of the people who will be sending you gifts, so you can even address and stamp envelopes ahead of time. Do this during your last few weeks, when other work is uncomfortable.

Step Two: Ask the hubby for help. While you’re in the hospital, he can start cataloging gifts so you know who gave what. He can even fill out some cards himself!

Step Three: Don’t sweat it. If it takes you a few months to send out thank you cards, the vast majority of people who sent you gifts will understand. You’re dealing with a new baby! Apologize for tardy replies and take your time sending them out. You don’t need any more stress in your life than you already have.

Looking for great thank you card options? Check out any of those I’ve listed below. Aren’t they cute?!?

• Sara Midda Baby Thank You Cards
• Dehlia & Pears Handmaid Thank You Cards
• Humpty Dumpty Baby Thank You Cards (pictured above)

Picture via Baby Shower Stuff.