Birthday Countdown

  • Post category:Birthdays
  • Reading time:2 mins read

A week and a half ago Stacy started a countdown on James’ Facebook page leading up to his 13th birthday. Each day she has been posting pictures from his birthday parties, in chronological order. It’s been fun to look back to see how much he has grown, and the themes each of his parties had.

Below are a few pictures from each of his birthday parties so far. If you want to see more pictures from a particular party, just click on the link to jump back to that birthday party post.

 

 

1st Birthday: Monkeys

James sitting in a high chair wearing glasses and a colorful “my 1st Birthday!” crown, with frosting on his nose and two chocolate cupcakes with white frosting on the tray in front of him. James' shirt reads “This Little Monkey’s 1st Birthday,” capturing a joyful, messy milestone celebration.
1st Birthday: Monkey Theme

 

James lying on a green cushioned surface wearing glasses and a white monkey‑themed shirt that reads “It’s This Little Monkey’s 1st Birthday,” holding a blue sign decorated with monkeys that says “Happy 1st Birthday James.” The scene captures a themed first‑birthday milestone photo.
1st Birthday: Monkey Theme

 

Light‑green birthday cake in the shape of the number one, decorated with six fondant monkey figures wearing blue party hats, surrounded by yellow fondant bananas, with the name “James” written on top. The cake sits on a foil‑covered board on a wooden table, capturing a playful monkey‑themed celebration.
1st Birthday: Monkey Theme

 

Monkey‑shaped cake decorated with chocolate frosting, white icing outlines and small yellow fondant bananas, displayed on a foil‑covered board surrounded by green paper jungle leaves. The design creates a playful, cartoon‑style jungle theme for a James' birthday celebration.
1st Birthday: Monkey Theme

 

 

2nd Birthday: Handy Manny

James lying outdoors on a patterned blanket with cartoon monkeys, wearing oversized dark safety glasses, a white birthday shirt with colorful graphics and a large red number 2, plaid shorts, and holding a wrench and pliers in a playful pose.
2nd Birthday: Handy Manny Theme

 

James wearing glasses and a white shirt sitting in a Fisher‑Price SpaceSaver high chair with pieces of donut on the tray, and a red wall and colorful cartoon tablecloth with party decorations in the background.
2nd Birthday: Handy Manny Theme

 

Red birthday cake decorated like Handy Manny's toolbox with smiling cartoon tool figures—including a phillips-head screwdriver (Felipe), flat-head screwdriver (Turner), hammer (Pat), monkey wrench (Rusty), saw (Dusty), tape measure (Stretch), and pliers (Squeeze)—surrounded by red fondant accents and “Happy Birthday James” written in white icing.
2nd Birthday: Handy Manny Theme

 

 

3rd Birthday: Dr. Seuss

James wearing glasses and a red “Thing 3” shirt lying on Nap Nanny with a blue cover while holding a plush Cat in the Hat toy.
3rd Birthday: Dr. Seuss Theme

 

Jeff, James and Stacy sitting together on a red couch wearing matching red “Thing 1,” “Thing 2,” and “Thing 3” shirts, creating a coordinated Dr. Seuss–themed family moment in a cozy living room.
3rd Birthday: Dr. Seuss Theme

 

Colorful multi‑tier Cat in the Hat–themed birthday cake with red‑and‑white stripes, a blue‑haired Thing figure on top, and “Happy Birthday James” written in icing, displayed on a Dr. Seuss tablecloth with party supplies nearby.
3rd Birthday: Dr. Seuss Theme

 

 

4th Birthday: Cars Movie Theme

James lying on a red surface wearing glasses and a gray T‑shirt featuring a large yellow number 4 and a Lightning McQueen graphic from the movie Cars.
4th Birthday: Cars Movie Theme

 

Person holding a number‑4 cake decorated as a racetrack with black icing, white lane markers, yellow edging, and small Cars‑themed toy vehicles including Lightning McQueen, with additional Cars figures on the cake tray and the person wearing a white Route 66 shirt.
4th Birthday: Cars Movie Theme

 

Lightning McQueen–shaped birthday cake decorated in red, yellow, blue, black, and white frosting to resemble the Cars character, with detailed eyes, mouth, wheels, and lightning bolt design.
4th Birthday: Cars Movie Theme

 

 

 

5th Birthday: Superhero Theme

James seated in a wheelchair wearing a bright blue comic‑style “5” birthday shirt with a yellow “Super James” star and a Superman‑style face‑paint design on the cheek, indoors near wooden cabinets and a stove.
5th Birthday: Superhero Theme

 

Superhero‑themed birthday table with a cityscape backdrop, “Happy Birthday” comic‑style banner, and an assortment of themed treats — including cupcakes, cookies, candies, and a two‑tier cake decorated with colorful superhero logos and comic‑book designs.
5th Birthday: Superhero Theme

 

Two‑tier superhero‑themed birthday cake with a blue top layer featuring a red‑and‑yellow emblem with a stylized “J” and the words “Super James,” and a black bottom layer reading “Happy Birthday,” surrounded by cupcakes and cookies decorated with comic‑style designs.
5th Birthday: Superhero Theme

 

Stacy, Jeff and James gathered around a superhero‑themed birthday cake decorated with comic‑style symbols, with Stacy wearing a red Wonder Woman shirt on one side, Jeff in the back wearing a black Batman t-shirt, and James in a wheelchair wearing a blue “Super James” shirt, all smiling in a cozy room with framed photos and candles in the background.
5th Birthday: Superhero Theme

 

 

6th Birthday: Minions Theme

James seated in a wheelchair wearing a gray Minions T‑shirt, holding a plush dog dressed in a white and red “Happy Birthday” shirt with a cupcake graphic. The scene is indoors with carpet and wooden furniture in the background, capturing a cheerful, celebratory moment.
6th Birthday: Minions Theme

 

Small group gathered around an outdoor table as James in a wheelchair holds a stuffed dog while Stacy reads a colorful monkey‑themed birthday card. Jeff in a Minions T‑shirt stands nearby with a blue cup, and a Hot Wheels gift bag sits on the blue‑covered table, capturing a warm, shared moment during a birthday celebration.
6th Birthday: Minions Theme

 

Minions‑themed party table covered in a bright Minions tablecloth, topped with a large rectangular Minion cake in blue overalls surrounded by small Minion cupcakes. Minion plates, and napkins add to the coordinated setup, with gift bags on a nearby table, creating a colorful, festive birthday display.
6th Birthday: Minions Theme

 

Minion‑shaped birthday cake decorated in yellow and blue with fondant overalls, a single eye, and a smiling face, surrounded by Minion‑themed cupcakes on a white polka‑dot board. Yellow fondant letters spell out “Happy 6th Birthday To Our Little Minion,” creating a bright, playful centerpiece for the celebration.
6th Birthday: Minions Theme

 

 

7th Birthday: James Bond 007 Theme

Jeff, James, and Stacy pose together indoors, with James seated in a specialized wheelchair and Jeff and Stacy leaning in close on either side. All three wear matching black shirts printed with tuxedo designs featuring red bow ties and red roses. The setting includes a wooden floor, a red rug near a doorway, and a kitchen area in the background where two other people are visible, giving the scene a warm, at‑home celebration feel.
7th Birthday: James Bond 007 Theme

 

A two‑tier cake decorated in a black‑and‑white tuxedo style sits on a red tablecloth, topped with a small “007” card and a circular plaque reading “Happy Birthday 007 James.” Surrounding the cake are trays of cupcakes frosted in white with black fondant bow ties and buttons, echoing the tuxedo theme. Wooden chairs and shelves with colorful storage bins appear in the background.
7th Birthday: James Bond 007 Theme

 

James sits in a wheelchair at a table covered with a red tablecloth, wearing a black shirt printed with a tuxedo, red bow tie, red rose, and a “TOP SECRET” tag. In front of him is a two‑tier James Bond–themed cake decorated like a tuxedo, topped with a “007” card and a circular “Happy Birthday 007 James” label. Trays of cupcakes with tuxedo‑style frosting surround the cake. Several children sit around the table watching, creating a lively, themed birthday celebration scene.
7th Birthday: James Bond 007 Theme

 

 

8th Birthday: Crazy 8 Theme

A colorful birthday card features wide vertical stripes in red, orange, yellow, green, and blue. On the left side, a photo shows James wearing sunglasses and sitting in a stroller with a neck pillow. On the right, bold celebratory text reads “Let’s Celebrate. James is Ate!!” with a playful misspelling. Below the text, a blue ribbon graphic displays the number “8!” The overall design feels festive and fun, marking an eighth‑birthday milestone.
8th Birthday: Crazy 8 Theme

 

James lies on a pillow patterned with small construction vehicles. He wears a bright blue wig and a colorful tie‑dye shirt with a comic‑style burst graphic that reads “I AM ATE!” The overall look is fun and spirited, capturing a lighthearted, costume‑like moment.
8th Birthday: Crazy 8 Theme

 

A party table is set with trays of desserts and colorful gift bags lined up against the wall. On the left, a yellow tray holds chocolate chip cookies. In the center, a round cake covered in rainbow candies sits on a wrapped box, with stacks of blue napkins and light‑blue plates in front of it. On the right, two trays of cupcakes with multicolored swirled frosting are surrounded by scattered candies. Behind the treats, rainbow‑striped gift bags labeled with names such as Eleanor, Deacon, Aidan, Luke, Mikey, Nick, and Zach create a cheerful backdrop. The whole setup feels festive and ready for a birthday celebration.
8th Birthday: Crazy 8 Theme

 

A group gathers indoors around a James seated in a wheelchair, who wears a tie‑dye shirt and plaid shorts. Jeff and Stacy in matching tie‑dye shirts kneel close on either side, smiling and leaning in. In front of them on a table sits a colorful cake decorated with layers of rainbow candies and topped with a single candle. Several people stand in the background near a wooden buffet cabinet with flowers and papers, creating a lively, supportive birthday atmosphere centered around James.
8th Birthday: Crazy 8 Theme

 

 

9th Birthday: Fast and the Furious Theme

A yard sign stands on a grassy lawn with two bold sections. On the left, a large black number “9” rises behind a car driving toward the viewer on a foggy road, with “2018” printed beneath the car. On the right, big black text reads “LET’S GO FOR A RIDE!” The design feels like a dramatic, poster‑style celebration tied to a ninth‑year milestone.
9th Birthday: Fast and the Furious Theme

 

James lies on a cushioned surface with a white pillow behind his head. He is wearing a dark gray button‑up shirt with white printed details, including a name patch that reads “James” and a small checkered‑flag graphic on the left chest and a large black number “9” with a white outline on the right side.
9th Birthday: Fast and the Furious Theme

 

A themed birthday cake sits on a table, shaped like a black tire with a silver rim. A small black car model rests on top with its hood and doors open. The cake sits on a black‑and‑white checkered base with a red border, and the front reads “FAST & FURIOUS” in bold red letters outlined in white. Behind it, a sign says “HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY JAMES” with two checkered flags underneath. Wooden chairs and a light tablecloth complete the scene, giving it the feel of a personalized racing‑themed celebration.
9th Birthday: Fast and the Furious Theme

 

A group gathers around James sitting in his wheelchair during a birthday celebration. James sits in front of a racing‑themed cake shaped like a tire with a small car on top, set on a checkered tablecloth. A small sign beside the cake reads “HAPPY 9th BIRTHDAY.” Jeff and Stacy stand behind James, both wearing matching black shirts that say “FULKERSON'S GARAGE Est. 2009,” smiling warmly. The wall behind them features framed artwork with casino‑style imagery — poker chips, cards, dice — along with Route 66 signs. The scene feels joyful, personal, and full of themed details that tie the celebration together.
9th Birthday: Fast and the Furious Theme

 

 

10th Birthday: Donut Theme

*James was sick for his birthday so we didn’t have a big party, just a small family gathering a few weeks later.

James lies on his cushined recliner covered in a polka‑dot sheet, and is wearing a black T‑shirt featuring a pink frosted donut with sprinkles. The shirt’s text reads: “DONUT LOSE YOUR SPRINKLES BUT IT’S MY 10th BIRTHDAY!” The scene highlights a relaxed birthday moment.
10th Birthday: Donut Theme

 

Two large cakes designed to look like oversized donuts sit inside a box on a white base. One is rectangular with blue icing and multicolored sprinkles; the other is round with a center hole, covered in pink icing and sprinkles. Along the bottom edge, black letters spell out “HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES.”
10th Birthday: Donut Theme

 

Nine round cookies decorated to look like donuts are arranged in a 3×3 grid. Each cookie has a center hole and colorful icing in shades like white, brown, blue, pink, and light blue. Some have drizzle patterns, others are topped with multicolored sprinkles. All nine cookies are individually wrapped in clear plastic and set on a light surface.
10th Birthday: Donut Theme

 

 

11th Birthday: Covid / Quarantine Theme

James lies on his cushioned recliner with whale‑patterned sheets, wearing a black shirt printed with the message “I TURNED 11 IN QUARANTINE NONE OF YOU ARE INVITED,” along with a yellow circular graphic showing a face mask. A plush dog toy wraps around his neck like a soft pillow. The scene captures a relaxed moment with a humorous birthday shirt marking an at‑home celebration.
11th Birthday: Covid / Quarantine Theme

 

James lies down wearing a black T‑shirt printed with colorful text that reads “I TURNED 11 IN QUARANTINE NONE OF YOU ARE INVITED,” arranged around a yellow circle with a blue face‑mask graphic. A plush dog toy rests on his shoulder, and part of his arm and neck is covered by a white cloth. The scene shows a relaxed moment with a humorous quarantine‑themed birthday shirt.
11th Birthday: Covid / Quarantine Theme

 

James lies on his cushioned recliner with a plush dog toy resting on his shoulder, wearing a black shirt with a yellow circle and blue graphic. In front of them, someone holds a round cake covered in yellow frosting. The cake has the number “11” written in white icing, with a white icing mask design beneath it. Colorful papers or drawings are scattered on the floor in the background, adding to the celebratory feel.
11th Birthday: Covid / Quarantine Theme

 

Seven round cookies sit on a dark countertop, each decorated like a yellow emoji face wearing a white mask. The expressions vary: closed eyes, heart eyes, wide eyes, smiling eyes, and other playful looks. The cookies are arranged loosely together, creating a cheerful, themed display.
11th Birthday: Covid / Quarantine Theme

 

 

12th Birthday: Deserted Island Theme

James lies on a floral blanket covered in bright hibiscus‑style flowers in red, orange, yellow, and blue. He wears a dark gray T‑shirt with colorful text that reads “ONE OF A KIND • LIMITED EDITION • AWESOME SINCE AUGUST 2009.” He’s resting on a carpeted floor, with part of a metal object visible in the background. The scene feels relaxed and homey, centered on the bold shirt design and the vivid blanket pattern.
12th Birthday: Deserted Island Theme

 

Three people and a small brown dog gather in a living room decorated for a Hawaiian‑themed celebration. Stacy sits on the floor wearing glasses, a sleeveless “Good Vibes” shirt, a flower lei arounder wrist, and holds a cup. Jeff sits on a couch in a Hawaiian shirt with a drink in hand, while the dog beside him wears a lei around its neck. James lies on the floor nearby, covered with a bright floral sheet featuring hibiscus patterns. Behind them, inflatable palm trees and a colorful “Happy Aloha Birthday” banner add to the festive, tropical atmosphere.
12th Birthday: Deserted Island Theme

 

An indoor space is decorated for a tropical‑themed birthday celebration. A colorful “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” banner stretches across two windows, which are covered with bright cut‑outs of pineapples, hibiscus flowers, flamingos, and the word “Aloha” in red. Two inflatable palm trees stand below the windows. Nearby are household items including a small table, a white appliance, green bags, and a wooden cabinet. The overall scene feels cheerful and vibrant, blending everyday home furniture with festive tropical decorations.
12th Birthday: Deserted Island Theme

 

Maggie, a light brown dog, sits on a red carpet in front of wooden cabinets, dressed in colorful artificial flower leis around her neck, chest, and front legs. Her mouth is open in a playful, toothy expression, and her eyes look upward. The bright leis contrast with the simple background, giving the scene a cheerful, festive feel.
12th Birthday: Deserted Island Theme

 

 

His 13th birthday party is tomorrow. I will try to have pictures up by mid-week, but here’s a clue about the theme this year:

A colorful Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles–themed birthday invitation features the four cartoon turtle faces, each with their signature mask color. Bold, playful text announces “COWABUNGA! JAMES IS TURNING 13” and invites guests to “LET’S SHELL‑A‑BRATE” with pizza and cake on Sunday, 8/28/22, from noon to 4 PM. A white block obscures part of the details, and the bottom line reads “REGRETS ONLY BY 8/21/22.” The overall design is energetic and kid‑friendly, built around bright colors and turtle‑themed puns.
13th birthday party invitation