Zak Zak turns one

I can't believe its been a whole year since little Zak-zak was born. (See his strange birth story here) It has been a fantastic year. We have so enjoyed the newest member of our family. Even Joe loves him to smithereens, which I was quite surprised about. I thought as a little 4 year old he probably wouldn't be that interested in him. He adds a whole new dynamtic to the family. Essentially he has been a good baby, eating and sleeping when he should. I love that first year when they are babies. As a mum, I like that they just so darn cute and mostly compliant before the horrid toddler years. I love his strawberry blond hair and deep blue eyes. He is fearless, social and rearing to catch up to his older siblings. I look forward to seeing him grow and wonder at what surprises I will be in for.
We celebrated his birthday today with our imediate family. He had a good morning nap and so was in a great mood for the family gathering. I spent most of the morning on my VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR CAKE. Getting the colours of the butter icing right seemed to be a real trick. But heres how it turned out.

Very Hungry Caterpillar Cake

I used a round silcone "bundt" cake mould for the chocolate cake and cut into bits to make the shape of the caterpillar. I also made another cake in a loaf tin to make up the head and tail. I was trying to get the greens right like on the book, but I just didn't have the right shade of yellow. It came out more orange than yellow. I found the fruit lollies at the supermarket and had a great idea to include them around the cake plate, incorporating the foods that the hungry caterpillar eats. Hersheys kisses made for great feet. I had fun whipping up some yummy finger foods for our lunch and trying out some new recipes. I tried making some mushroom filled Vol au vants. The cases I made out of pre rolled puff pastry. I also wanted to try mini chorizo quiches...which turned out delicious.

Happy Birthday Little man!