Week 53: Kit turns 1.

 Type of Writing: 1st birthday party written in the style of a Hello celebrity article.

Hawaiian shirt: Sainsbury's. 

On Saturday Kit James Raj celebrated his first birthday in true al fresco style. With restrictions still in place, a blue marque with side panels was the setting for the showbiz event of the year. Given the ‘rule of six,’ a strict two in, two out protocol was in place to ensure numbers were kept legal, thus avoiding the outcry Rita Ora’s celebrity bash invited last year. Golden tickets were in short supply then with just a few fortunates permitted to cross the side gate of the Woodhouse residence.

Arriving first at 9.30 were Dec and Beth. Dec sporting charcoal trousers and a blue varsity hoodie looked every inch the Ivy League student, whilst Beth’s pairing of black ripped jeans and green soft-shell jacket demonstrated the perfect blend of fashionable and practical. Overheard were conversations around Motherland series 3, UK holiday destinations and Dec’s forthcoming birthday (adult crazy golf: very a la mode). Breakfast was then served: choc au pain, pancakes and croissants with a side dish of strawberries. Whilst eating was in session, presents were opened with Kit showing his appreciation through chewing the wrapping. Aware of the next arrivals, Dec and Beth left at 11.30.

Beth, Kit and Dec.

Next in the back garden was Bev. Again, the jacket was wind and rain-proof so as protect from the bluster and pour. Inspired though was the zip’s trim: pink - giving a sensitive feel to a hardy coat. With the lockdown on everyone’s lips, plans beyond Monday were discussed. Bev was excited about easing and looked forward to being reunited with family.

Just after 12.45 Zoe arrived, showcasing a chequered shirt and green jacket, accessorised with pendulous draw string: red rag to Kit’s bull. Having had quite a morning with her insulin pump not working, she was relieved to unwind and spend time with the birthday boy.

Zoe said, ‘It was great to spend quality time with Kit. I feel like we’ve missed a lot in this strange year. Hopefully, I’ll see more of him as he goes into his second birthday.’

Fleece top: Hand-me-down. Jeans: Hand-me-down. Trainers: Next.

Kit, it has to be said, was having quite the time. A sign of his bonhomie was his choice of t-shirt. To go along with his functional blue jeans was a satirical swipe at ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ merchandise. Instead of the cliché slogan, Kit’s t-shirt read, ‘I can’t keep calm I’m only 1.’ This playful sense of humour was evident throughout the day, none more so than when playing with his new ride-along toy. Straight from the Disney clubhouse, the Mickey Mouse car was the transport of choice when it came to travelling to the bottom of the garden. A combination of 60’s flower power and garish green, the vehicle clearly made an impression. Preferring a push-start to ignition release, Kit laughed his way down the grass before arriving at the swings. Here he stayed for a good half hour.

Bev Kirk said, ‘He loved being on the swing. He looked like the Kit that caught the dream. I could happily have pushed him for hours.’

With a baby shower to get to, Bev left. Also, Ryan, Kit’s father, exited to pick up grandma and uncle. In the interim, Zoe said goodbye and made her way home, party bag in tow. Party bags this year were kept simple: no Rolex watches or Tiffany credit-card holders. It was felt that extravagance would be unseemly given the difficult year the world had seen. Instead, each guest received a napkin and piece of cake to take home. The cake was something of a showstopper, a whole day in the making. Fashioned to resemble a jungle, the bottom tier of the lemon cake was decorated like a zebra’s coat. On top, the brown and white icing ensured a giraffe coat finish. Festooned around the creation was a menagerie of hand-made pieces with a lion sitting proudly on top.

Harriet Theivam said, ‘I swore thirty-seven times making it. But it was worth it.’

Cake

Arriving at 3 30, Fiona, Kit’s grandma, sashayed into the party clad in mauve windbreaker jacket. Uncle Kieran sauntered in with a polo neck top and an insouciant throw of blue scarf. Crisps were brought out, two flavours, accompanied by dips. A special present was then opened. A green Wrangler Jeep toy similar to the one driven by Kit’s grandad Raj, who sadly passed before he was born. With a rev of the engine, a toot of the horn and the speed of release, it was as if the grandson was driving his grandad’s car.

Ryan Theivam said, “If my dad would have seen it, he would have laughed. His Jeep was his pride and joy. He had pictures of it on the mantlepiece, positioned just ahead of the ones of his own children. He would like knowing that his grandson was racing it down the living room.”

Kit's Jeep on the right.

Kit's grandad's Jeep.

With a council of clouds meeting to discuss rain, dinner was served. Kit had three eggs muffins. The first was seized upon by his grandparent’s dog, Kipling. This act of opportunism was not welcomed by his owners and he was banished to his lead. With his egg muffin rival out of the way, Kit’s eating followed a pattern of swallow one piece, chuck another. Ensconced in a high chair, the other guests were free to eat from the buffet. Spring rolls lined up with samosas, samosas lined up with nachos, giving the buffet a world feel, every continent being represented.

Allyson Woodhouse said, “A buffet is one of life’s great pleasures. When a man has grown tired of a buffet, they have grown tired of life.”

With dinner finished, the heavens opened and the marque was buffeted by downpour. The walls shook, the bunting shivered, the cake threatened to topple, a balloon monkey came loose and escaped.

Rod Woodhouse said, “I would bet my life on that marque. It could survive any weather. Snowstorm, hurricane, tsunami. My house might fall, but the marque will stand.”

The marque.

When the storm abated, the guests got back to drinking beer and wine. Kit, now in his third costume of the day, a blue jumpsuit with brown socks, was primed ready for candle blowing. With the cake lit, Allyson was tasked with recording that special moment when ‘Happy Birthday’ is sung and light expelled. Laughter abounded when it turned out the recording hadn’t worked. Take two and this time everything went to plan.

As the night drew in, party bags were administered, thank yous exchanged and goodbyes said. Alongside the presents, the birthday boy was packed into the car. There he slept the sleep of a thousand sheep, dreaming of his special day, a day of family and friends.