Nella turns eight today which is hard to comprehend considering when she was born, I couldn’t imagine even one year ahead. Looking ahead felt so heavy then, and here we are at eight, celebrating what has been nothing but joy, joy, joy with a theme so far from heavy–kitty cats. The cat theme was actually born out of an attempt to tie in the beloved wand she carries around, so a cat toy ribbon wand activity was planned and a kitty party developed around it…Breakfast at Kitteny’s to be exact.
I’ve never done a kids’ party at breakfast hours before, but I’ll totally do it again as it made menu planning so simple (pancakes, scrambled eggs and fruit–that’s it) and kept the day after the party completely open.
Girls were welcomed with cat ears (hot glued felt ears on black plastic headbands), face paint whiskers and kitty noses and cat collars at the door. Cat collars were just black ribbon with paper key tags where we wrote their chosen cat name.
Our cats, up for adoption (Aurora plush cats from Amazon).
Since the party was in the morning, we skipped the cake and served sugar cookies for birthday treats.
Reused tuna cans worked great as “cat food” dishes for the scrambled eggs and held the perfect individualized servings.
The cat toy wands turned out so cute–Nella played with hers all day yesterday. I bought a pack of dowel rods (you can get 12 in a pack from Michaels, pre-cut to this wand size) and screwed small eye hooks on the end. The girls chose a few pieces of ribbon to be threaded through as well as a jingle bell and cat toy mouse.
The cat tails we made out of wired fur that Hobby Lobby sold in 9 ft. rolls for only $3.99. I can’t find it online, but it worked great because the wire could be manipulated to make a little hook so we could tie a clothes pin on. We played Capture the Tail outside–last one standing with their tail still attached wins.
…and Cat Cornhole with Sardine beanbags.
After games, the girls picked out their cats to adopt and decorated these cat boxes with markers and stickers (this sticker book is loaded with amazing cat photo stickers).
My favorite were these cat necklaces–only $5.99 for a pack of 12–and the kids added wooden beads to jazz them up.
How did Nella do? Last year, she was ALL IN, and we were amazed at how engaged she was with her friends and how well she did with sitting at the table and being the center of attention. We keep the guest list small for her but even so, this year she retreated a little more at different times. We go with the flow…that’s how we do this.
Because how she socializes isn’t at all consistent, it’s not always easy to plan things for her, but it was amazing to see her friends respond. Several of them held her hand and asked if she wanted to go play alone. One sweet little girl said, “I think maybe we should let her open her gifts because I think she’d like that.” So we did, and she was right. We also invite a teenager or two that Nella loves. They are great to go play with Nella or help her with an activity so the other kids can still have fun without even realizing Nella needed some extra attention.
Whether or not she’s completely engaged, the theme of friendship rings true. After her party, she talked all about her friends who came–named every one of them and asked to see pictures of her party. I write a thank you card to each little girl from Nella (she signs it) and write personal messages I want those friends to know–“Even though I’m shy sometimes and don’t always play with you, I love that you are at my party. When I’m not ready to play, I still love to watch you play, and I am so happy you are my friend. I told my mom all about how much I loved having you here after you left.”
Nella opened Pop the Pig for one of her gifts and didn’t want to do anything else but play that game right then and there. So that’s what we did, and everyone was happy.
And besides, when Nella wanted to sit out and watch, her brother had no problem stepping in for her. The amount of times I heard little girls yelling, “Dash, STOP!”–Lord have mercy.
We are so thankful for these eight years, for the beautiful friendships our girl has developed, and for the opportunity once again to celebrate our girl and everything she is.
Happy Birthday, Nella, the coolest cat in town.
Hey Kelle,
What a wonderful post, you can tell the party (and Nella’s life) is full of love and friendship. I’m a teacher-to-be from Germany and reading this makes me, once again, realize how important inclusion in school is (I hope that is the correct term in English). Not only for children like Nella, who may need a little bit more time but also for the other kids. It teaches us to slow down, take some time to appreciate EVERY SINGLE KID individually and their needs. It teaches children compassion and so much more. We’re all in this together.
All best,
Christin
Thank you (and Nella!!) for throwing such a fantastic kitty cat party – my daughter wants one just like it for her next birthday!! She’ll be turning eleven!!
Sei una mamma fantastica!
Nella’s party looks like it was so much fun and the cat theme is so adorable! As a mom of a daughter with special needs (autism), I really appreciate you sharing how you handle the inconsistency of how Nella may socialize and the thank you notes are such a great way of explaining it to her friends. You truly inspire me to step out of my comfort zone and just go with the flow when it comes to our precious girls. Thank you!
Fantastic birthday bash! WOW!
Thank you for telling us all about it.
Girl, you are a rockstar mom! What a beautiful party!! My youngest turns 8 next week. Poor soul is stuck with my pitiful party planning????! Happy Birthday to Nella!
What a beautiful , lovely party!
I am fallowing your Dad’s posts and admire your family.
Hi Kelle! My name is Maria, a 27 year old nurse, no kiddos, not a blogger, this is literally the only blog I read. While I often take care of people with special needs, I do not have anyone close to me with special needs… I feel like I’m not your typical reader. And that’s why I wanted to comment and tell you, you are reaching out to more than you know!!!
I remember the very first day I started reading this blog. I was in college, definitely procrastinating and Nellas Birth story popped up. I sobbed, completely moved by the reality of your life. I immediately went back and read tons of posts and have been reading ever since. With your book, your every blog post and every Instagram caption I find myself saying “wow this woman gets it”.
What I love about this space is that you make me think about things in a way that I am incapable. The way you live your life, loving the small things around you, seeing the bigger picture, showing real emotions… it’s freaking beautiful. There are so many topics you discuss that encourages me to look at things differently, leading me to contemplate with myself and my family “how would I/we handle that”. I reference this blog more than I’m willing to admit. I truly believe that your words make me a better person. I believe if everyone read your posts the world would be a much better place! We need more Kelle passion! Your words are like therapy. This is real, and it’s really really beautiful.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Don’t stop writing because we want to keep reading!!!
Ps. I’m from Michigan, now living in Kansas. So I totally get the leaf, Lake, snow, winter air affiair you got going on 🙂
This is my favorite theme yet! I love your party-planning creativity! And a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Nella! Sending lots of love from Michigan! Love to you all! xoxo
So adorable. You always have the cutest themed parties. Love the lil cat carrier and kitties. So cute.
Happy Birthday Sweet Nella!!!
xo
That is quite simply the coolest party idea I’ve ever seen for a girl. Wish our daughters birthday was after not before yours, so I could steal it – I’ll forget by next year. Love Love Love your commentary on how the party progressed and how Nella responded to different things. Sometimes us special parents get so caught up in making everything that is different unnoticeable, it is refreshing to hear how difference is acceptable. Our daughter is ten now, and birthdays always fall in the big summer holidays (now – we are in New Zealand). It is tricky making them work when friends come and go with each school year. Hers are all attended by a big tribe of cousins and some friends. This year we opted to have a day away with just our immediate family, at a theme park she really wanted to go to. We have done this with a big group before and it is stressful and crazy, so we went alone this time. It worked well, but she was disappointed not to have a real party.Anyway, thanks for the inspiration and ideas and Happy 8 years momma!
What a delightful idea for a theme! Your love for your sweet Nella, Kelle shines through in every sweet kitty detail! I’m inspired by your commitment to your daughter and love how very loved and nurtured she is ..EXACTLY the way she is!! ❤️????????????
What a beautiful party for Nella! I love, love the eggs as cat food, great idea.
Wishing beautiful Nella a great birthday and many, many more.
Happy Birthday, Precious Nella!
You were the most delicious, darling baby and now you are the most beautiful little girl!
Kelle . . . your creativity . . . I am truly in awe!
Happy Happy birthday Nella! And happy birthday mama! What a sweet party. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead.
Kelle,
First I want to tell you that I just finished your heartfelt Book, BLOOM. I loved it and could so relate to it. My daughter has a 4 year old daughter who has DS. Her name is Mallory and is such a delight in our lives. I love reading your blog and seeing your photos on IG and hope I am learning some little tricks from you in reference to Nella.
Bella could pass for Mallory’s twin. Both are so darling. Just checking in but it’s nice to know you are here if I ever need advice.
Happy Belated Birthday to Nella~!!
MJ
Wow 8 years! I discovered your blog when Nella was born and have been captivated ever since….happy birthday Nella! Looks like an awesome party.
Oh, Kelle! What a beautiful story told here.. You are such a wonderful blogger, mom, and so full of love, compassion, and creativeness.. Nella’s 8th Kitty Cat Party was just the cat’s meow… Yes, enjoy the small things, as they mean the most to all – big and small.. Happy Birthday, Nella.. What a special day you had with your friends and family… You are a very special girl, and I’m happy to hear you had a grand kitty day! ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Hey Kelle
I came across this video “John’s socks”, a company founded by a young man with Down’s syndrome and his dad and thought you would love it as much as I did!
https://youtu.be/UcplGnfGiGE
What a Purrfect birthday party for your girl!
>^.^<
Hi Kelle!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM SPAIN NELLA!!! You are so grown up and your kitty party was so beautiful! I would love to have a wand like yours and the cat cookies look yummy!!! Lots of kisses! and if you ever want to come to Spain I have 3 kids that would love to play with you and your siblings! And I would love to play with you too!
Kelle, you have this thing so well figured out. I am sure sometimes feel you have no idea how this will evolve but being in such a charming synchrony with your kids I am confident this will evolve beautifully.
I just wanted to say that some kids find birthday parties and being the center of attention difficult. So, just as for your Nella it happens to a lot of other kids too, you never know how socializaing will go. I suppose we as parents just need to learn to accept it’s their party and it will go as they wish and not as we planned (which sometimes is hard when you put a lot of effort in it).
Thank for being so open about your life. Nella’s friends are so lucky!
Leire
I love how you include in the Thank you cards a message from Nella about her feelings. My 8 yr old daughter has autism with aspergers and we have not yet had a party with her class for the same reason she is not consistent with the way she socializes. I feel sometimes her peers are confused if she likes them or not, and it’s always that she likes them, it’s just she goes to her “la la land”. Thank you so much for sharing!!!
Omg.. this is the cutest! I am 30.. but really want this to be my next birthday party!
Happy Birthday Nella! It looks like it was so much fun 🙂
I posted on your IG feed yesterday, but just wanted to reiterate that you are the greatest mom alive! I keep telling my daughter (28) that I want to be the “Kelly Hampton” of Grandmothers! Your story brings so much joy to all who follow! Keep rocking’ it!
Hi Kelle:
I just want to start out by saying you are an amazing woman and a complete inspiration. Reading about Nella’s birthday party put a big smile on my face! I am not one to read blogs but I am currently halfway through reading your book Bloom and realized that it was your Nella’s birthday yesterday. I too have a (almost) 8 year old and in three weeks we will be welcoming our special little girl Rose just like your Nella. I have had your book sitting by my bedside for a couple months and finally had the courage to read it. I don’t think I can get through a reading session without tears but that isn’t a bad thing. Reading your story has given me hope and now seeing your life 8 years later has made me realize everything will be ok. I want you to know that you have really touched my life here in little Calgary, AB, Canada. Thank you for sharing Nella’s birthday. It’s a day late but happy wishes to your beautiful little girl.
-Kim
This is sooooo adorable in every.single.detail!! I am a newly retired ER nurse and 1st time grandmother now and am so in awe of you and your creativity with words, photos, party planning and EVERYTHING!! I love all your blog posts – and have read your book. You brighten our lives!
p.s. I live in Chicagoland and really really enjoyed your posts about your winter wonderland visits – makes me see this town through a different lens 🙂
Well, aren’t you a clever cat!? (Grin) I love the theme and all your fun ideas. A big happy birthday to Nella!
You could have been describing my daughter. She does not have DS but SM (Selective Mutism). She does not want us to sing “happy birthday” at her parties, it would make her the center of attention in a way that would be too much for her. So we make sure everyone knows and there is no singing, just cutting the cake and making sure everyone has some (she likes this part!)
I loved everything about her party! I think my favorite was the cats they got to ‘adopt’ and the carriers they decorated and used to bring their cats home. What a fantastic idea!!
O.M.G.
I cannot believe Nella is 8. I’ll never forget coming across her birth story almost 8 years ago when my own youngest daughter was 6 months old. My daughter had a surprise health issue when she was born and I swear, your blog got me through some of the hardest times of my life! I still read your blog but don’t comment like I used to….but just had to say happy birthday to your beautiful Nella and let you know how this blog was such a huge part of my early motherhood years!!! XOXOXO
Happy Birthday Nella!!!
Nella is getting her “big girl face”, and my, she’s just so beautiful ! 🙂 I specially love the pictures where she’s NOT smiling, totally concentrated on whatever, you can really see a young woman shine through the kid. She’s going to be gorgeous. Much love to her from a silent reader.
Cutest party ever!! Your children are going to have the best memories ever!