W's actual birthday was Saturday, the day of his party, a party that I told my husband was going to be "no big deal" and "just a little play date." It was. Sort of. When I waited until the last minute to get decorations together (decorations just a "little play date" probably didn't need!) and even did my food prep entirely too late, the day turned into a show to put on instead of a day to cherish and celebrate a sweet boy with our friends and family.
I don't mean to sound whiny or ungrateful. I am so thankful for each guest that came over that day. I am thankful for family that traveled to be there with us. I am thankful for the decorations I had time to put up (and those left in my closet unhung!) and the food on the table.
At the end of the day I think I wanted to have a toddler party for me. I wanted to check Pinterest for all sorts of cutesy ideas, and I wanted to put those ideas to good use! I don't see anything wrong with that. I enjoy it, and it can be a bit of therapy for me.
The problem was that I had said party on the actual day of W's birthday; therefore, I spent the morning in a mad rush to get everything done and had no family time. I spent the party watching out for the rain and making sure everything was going ok with hardly any time with my little fellow. That little fellow wasn't exactly thrilled about so many people around either.
I spent the afternoon trying to clean and recover.
So the advice that you didn't ask for: Have a toddler party if you want. I won't have one next year for sure. Just don't have that party on the actual birthday if the lofty party planning ideas in your head will keep you away from sharing memories with the boy (or girl) of the hour.
I did spend the day before sharing cupcake making and eating on W's last day as a one-year-old, and those moments my heart will hold forever.
(And I'll have a few pics coming next week of the party itself. It was nice, and I think everyone had a great time. If I could go back in time, I'd just schedule it for another day. Happy Friday!)
9 comments:
aww girl don't be so hard on yourself! it was by no accident that his birthday fell on a day that worked best to have a party for him. you have had special moments with the little guy! every day, every night. yes that day might've been hectic but he won't know the difference in the years ahead. he'll know you were there +family +friends with lots of good food and fun to be had. i'm sure it all went really well! and i can't wait to see pictures you share with us.
happy birthday little guy!!!
Don't beat yourself up lady. Part of the fun of being a parent is getting to plan this stuff when they are little. The they grow up and have an opinion! Altough I agree, I probably won't have a party on the day of Evie's birthday ever really. We've pretty much decided that day (even on a Saturday or a Sunday) is for family.
don't be so hard on yourself! HUGS!
Oh, Jen, I could've told you all of this. Reading this post, I wish I had. While we didn't have J's party on his actual birthday I had every single one of these emotions on his birthday. The majority of our friends and family couldn't come and I had spent SOOO much time and effort into planning for the day. So, disappointment was already instilled in me even before the big day came after we'd gotten the RSVPs. While I'll certainly have a party next year, I won't make the expectations for myself I had this year. As long as he's happy and is surrounded by love that's all that matters. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who felt this way but wish you hadn't had to experience it yourself.
Can't wait to hear more about W's big day though! This photo is adorable!
You are too hard on yourself! I'm sure it was great and W had a great time!
And Happy Birthday W!
I totally understand you with this post, but try not to feel too guilty for too long ok?
I am sure your cute little man enjoyed the most part, and no doubt lots of great gifts. I agree though, that to make his day more enjoyable and relaxing, certainly have the party on another day and reserve his actual birthday for family time. I completely understand how you wanted everything to be perfect, I have done this many of times when my eldest child was younger, you learn as you go from mistakes made. It just shows how much passion you have for him to have such a wonderful day, but unfortunately it is also easy to get caught up in it being 'too perfect'...You're a great mum xo
You are a wonderful momma, I can tell just by reading this. He is absolutely adorable! I appreciate the party advice, really somethings I would not have thought of. Thanks for stopping by my guest post. That is awesome about yours hubs loving fried chicken :)
I am your newest follower.
Did you read my post after Chase's 1st birthday? I wanted everything to be pinterest perfect and left my husband and father to the decorating so I could stay home with Chase while he napped before his party. I got there and yelled at my husband and dad in front of our guests about how they didn't do anything right. Mother of the year!
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