This is the unfiltered truth, behind-the-scenes honesty, and part of a series I’ve dubbed #kaufMOMconfessions.

The truth? I had major anxiety over our decision to host a little birthday party for our pookie. Between work, life, and his summer-timed birthday, I thought I had signed up to do the impossible. But we were eager to celebrate with our parents, grandparents, and neighbors. So we did it.

And this is what I learned.

1. Themes are really really really really really cute.

Once you’ve picked a theme, you’ve basically planned the whole party. And as a parent of a one year old, you get to pick a theme that you, the parent, will be obsessed with.

Between my son’s love of stuffed animals and our own nostalgia for our honeymoon, we celebrated through safari.

And EZRA’S WILD ONE was born.

This theme also gave us an excuse to make a small donation to WWF too. Because our kid is the future. And one day we’ll be able to tell him that he chose to support a cause for his first birthday.

2. It’s totally legit to ask for help.

After we drafted the perfect invitation, I realized I was in over my head as a full-time working mom without a single vendor contact. So I called an expert and asked for a few recommendations.

Ellen at Sidekick Events knows absolutely everyone in Manhattan. She made our wedding a win and if you know anyone in the market for a wedding planner (or party boss)…tell them to CALL HER.

3. Entertainment is everything.

It’s no secret that I have had a kaufMOM Crush on Little Maestros ever since Ezra was old enough to attend baby classes. So that band was top of mind when I realized that I’d have to have a special moment at the party for Ez, his friends, and those few adults that really know how to rage.

They came. They sang. And they conquered. With a mix of Little Maestros originals, classic kid songs, and adult anthems (like Taylor Swift’s Shake It Off).

And don’t even get me started on the bubbles…

4. You actually can have your cake and eat it too.

I found a perfect google image that I thought no artist would ever be able to recreate. But a baker extraordinaire, Julie Horowitz made a work of art for Ezra’s first birthday party. And it was 5x more epic than its inspiration.

On top of it, the cake was AWESOME. It wasn’t one of those beautiful cakes that’s too pretty to eat. The vanilla buttercream frosting perfectly complemented a pound cake that was out of this world. So we ate it all.

Email her if you’re hosting a party of your own or happen to be a little hungry 😉 – julie@duckseatery.com.

5. It’s not too “diva” to #decor

Twisted Balloon turned my party room into an actual wild safari. With greenery and a monkey that swung from behind-the-bar through to the center of the table where we cut the cake.

The team was so unbelievably lovely to work with. I’m looking for an excuse to work with them on another party. Or to just decorate our living room. Whatever.

6. You can never eat too many animal crackers.

I rediscovered animal crackers. They’re amazing. And a wholesome snack.

So you might as well eat 200+ and turn them into a party favor.