Australian mom Jackie Lam, 31, has become a target for criticism after spending a small fortune on her infant son's first birthday party.
But she calls the $12,650 Australian (about $9,100 in U.S. dollars) price tag "money well-spent."
Her son, Lachlan, was treated to a Where the Wild Things Are-themed birthday party that even Lam admits was "over the top," but she stands by the choice to spoil her son.
"Everyone's perception of what "˜lavish' is differs," she told Yahoo Australia. "Perhaps my son's birthday was "˜too much' for some, yet maybe not to others."
Lam revealed she had been planning the birthday bash since Lachlan was only two months old, and wanted to make it welcoming for adults as well as children.
All told, 125 adults and 50 children crowded into the venue for a catered party - with a hot buffet for parents and mini pizzas, fried fish, and french fries for the kids. There was even a separate dessert station with mini pastries.
For entertainment, the kids had their pick of face painters, balloon animals, a full-sized ball pit, and a photo booth with silly outfits.
Oh, and a private photographer was on hand to capture the event from start to finish, of course.
"I've always loved parties, or to find a reason to celebrate and go over the top," Lam said, even if that means making a sizable dent in her family's bank account.
"We may not have the deepest pockets, but we believe where money is well-spent and for the right reasons, we'll make it work."
The parents shared another reason for the big blowout: Lachlan is their "rainbow baby," following a heartbreaking miscarriage.
While the happy parents spent a bundle on the party, they also left their personal touch on the big day.
Each of the glittery crowns featured on the place settings was handmade by Lam herself.
"Well, if you're going to do a birthday party, you've got to do it properly," she said.
Lam's attention to detail and devotion to getting everything just right might even pay off someday. The loving mom says planning Lachlan's party has inspired her to open her own party planning business, A Peachy Affair.
Yes, other parents have criticized Lam for spoiling young Lachlan - but you only turn one once.
And it's obvious that this party was an event the Lams will never forget, even if their son will never remember it.
[H/T: Yahoo]
