Kabouter's first party

A few weeks ago, Kabouter had his first big party.  A babyborrel * (baby reception) in his honor for all our friends & family.  It had all long been planned before his birth as the invites need to be included with the birth announcement. It's quite abstract to plan so far ahead of time, but it came all together nicely.

Fortunately he was in a really good mood and took all the attention in very well. I had feared a bit that it would have been too overwhelming for this littly boy as we hat 160 guests at the party! Quite busy but so fun to see all these friends & family again for a fun occasion. As it always goes on this type of events though, Jan and I lacked time to truly catch up with everyone but I've tried to navigate to all tables as much as I could to talk and visit. We really hope it was as enjoyable for our guests as it was for us.

We were ready :)

The doopsuiker was ready

Our caterer with drinks & dessert buffet was ready

Kabouter was in the mood for some celebrating ;)

And all friends & family arrived to overload him with attention and love.

niece's love

Proud nieces & nephew

At occasions like this, it's a good opportunity to take a group family picture as it is rare that I'm together with so many of my cousins.  We have quite a big family with some generation jumps so we don't often manage to spend time together.

A special thanks to Carolien Coenen who was our excellent photographer, providing us a big load of beautiful memories!

*In the recent years it has become quite a habit in Flanders to host a babyborrel and invite all friends that want to visit the baby. Rather than hosting for months people at home, it is organised at once which is rather practical for the parents. Obviously close family and best friends come at home anyhow.  But for friends, acquaintances and further relatives, it's a good opportunity to get together.