Atlas' Puppy Dog Themed Third Birthday Party | Birch Hill Cabin | Mill Creek Park | Youngstown, Ohio

Sometimes I can’t even remember what day it is or what I had for lunch yesterday, but when it comes to my son, I remember the day I went into labor like it just happened. This boy has a hold on my memory, detail for detail, and I am very grateful for that. I always want to remember the little things, like the way he flopped around on the floor like a fish when he was trying so desperately to crawl. Or the funny little ways he pronounces certain words like “helicoocoo” (which is still how he says helicopter) or "tour-noockle”, which I have absolutely no clue what it means other than it’s a type of car.

It’s hard to think that I have a three year old, but this little boy makes life exciting and even more fun. Atlas is intelligent, kind, big-hearted, quirky, hilarious, polite, emotional and so incredibly loving. He’s unique, and I hope he continues to embrace that as he gets older.

Since his first birthday was right after Covid started and we were in quarantine, he’s really never been able to have a big birthday bash. So while he turned three, this was his first birthday party. We had to do it up right! He’s been obsessed with Birch Hill Cabin in Mill Creek Park (Youngstown, Ohio) for quite some time now and has been dying to go inside, so it was a no brainer that the party had to be there.

I went with a puppy dog theme because the boy loves dogs as much as I do. We would’ve loved to have had our two dogs (Meat and Sophie) there with us, but I made sure to add personal touches so it felt like they were celebrating along side us. Little Allie’s Cookies hand painted their faces on the tastiest sugar cookies ever. I mean seriously, I’m so blown away by how incredible these cookies looked! Allie also made the cutest paw print cake!

We just had to have an epic balloon garland by the talented Get This Party Started Events. They even included dog bone shaped balloons! To complete the decor, Alpha Lit Youngstown brought along a light up marquee number three.

Lastly, I just had to tie in the “puppy dog” theme with the food. Hot dogs, fetch sticks and a “barkuterie board” just had to be on the menu, completed with my mom’s homemade puppy chow for guests to take home.

It really was the best day, and Atlas had the time of his life!! It was the first time ever that all of his favorite people were in the same place at the same time. As his mama, that makes my heart so full.