A great way to have a first birthday is to make it all about the baby. Sounds obvious, but just humor me for a second. Parents have driven themselves crazy trying to pick the right nursery, obstetrician, pediatrician, and toys for their babies. Now let's use some of the past hard work toward your advantage.

Why not use photos and moments of you child's first year of life as decorations for your child first birthday party.

For invitations you can use copied photos of you child on the party invitations. This can be done at a copy center or you can do it at home on your computer. Just scan a copy of the photo with a scanner or save the picture directly from a digital camera. Then use Microsoft Works or Microsoft Word to make the invitations. There are several different themes available where you can use your own images.

You can also have an edible image of you child used as decoration for the birthday cake. Several different bakeries offer this option. Call around and you should find somewhere that can have this done for you.

As a party game, guests can tell of their favorite moment with you child or a great trait that they already see in the baby of honor.

The ideas are endless, just let you baby be your guide and have a great time.

Sheena Salmon maintains several web site including Tampa Bay Parent, a Resource for parents in the Tampa Bay Area. She also maintains My Baby Crib Bedding