Birthday Highlights
My daughter turned two, but I'm the one who learned the valuable lesson.
I wanted everything to be perfect, so I drove myself crazy.
I had to make all the food, most of which couldn't be made ahead.
I was embarrassed by my crappy backyard, so I decided to take on a major landscaping project the day before the party.
The weekend went as follows- On Friday, Willa's actual birthday, we went to the Bronx Zoo. It was Willa's first time.
It was fun, but physically exhausting.
On Saturday, we spent all day either working in the backyard, cooking, or cleaning up the house for the party. Then, on Saturday night we went to a friend's open house party. We only stayed for an hour, and then we came home and got back to work.
By the time the party started at 11am on Sunday I was exhausted and frazzled. I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I made a ton of food (there were about 35 people at the party), less than half of which was eaten. We were hoping to have most of the party in the backyard, and we tried, but it was really cold. Everyone ended up cramming into our small apartment. As far as I could tell no one was judging us for our crappy place, and no one was blaming us for the cold weather, and yet I drove myself crazy about it.
I should have just been enjoying my daughter's party.
Part of the problem was that we couldn't afford to have it at one of those toddler gym places, or have it catered, but I very easily could have ordered a few pizzas instead of serving tea sandwiches.
My favorite moment of the weekend might have been Sunday night, when everyone had gone home, and just the three of us were having a quiet dinner together- Willa tried the little cake I made for her (that she wanted no part of during the actual party) and she said "It tastes good!"
Next year, when my husband is actually getting paid a real salary, I will pay people to do all the work, or I will rent out a place, and I will relax and enjoy my daughter's birthday.
Because I was so busy running around, I didn't take a ton of pictures (I didn't even get a picture of the cake!) but here are a few highlights:
Comments
I understand you wanting to do something fabulous for your daughter, but I also hoped you learned what was really important this weekend. The trip to the zoo with your daughter and the night AFTER the party when your family was alone. Your daughter doesn't know to care about a big fancy party. You teach her that. She would be happy with pizza and a cupcake.
We did a BBQ to celebrate our first year as parents, then nothing for the girls second birthday (grandparents from German were in town). Small party for their third. Nothing for their fourth. This year, we'll see.
You set the tone. You are the gauge by which she will set her response. Stay calm. Do what you can do. She will be happy if you are. You don't need to impress her. She already loves you.
Posted by: Elana E | May 29, 2009 09:43 AM
I'm sorry I missed it. I'm surse you did an amazing job, as usual. Willa is beautiful. I really can't wait to see Willa and Clo play together.
Posted by: Ange | May 29, 2009 09:58 AM
The only thing she'll remember is if she had fun, and most 2 year old's can have fun no matter what. I think that's a lesson we all need to remember sometimes.
Posted by: Crystal | May 29, 2009 11:32 AM
Yeah, it is all too easy to get caught up in the details. I do this constantly as well. It is all a learning process and the hardest part is remembering the lesson when the next year comes around. Willa looks so happy and that is the best part.
Posted by: von Krankipantzen | May 29, 2009 02:22 PM
I'm planning my son's 2nd birthday party for June right now, thank you for your post.
Posted by: Lisa | May 29, 2009 11:08 PM
If it makes you feel any better, I can't afford a caterer or to have Soph's party at one of those gym places or bouncy places...the best party was last year where I found this activity center attached to a church. It cost me all of $10 I shit you not. I know that doesn't help you since I'm in St. Louis and you are not, but there may be something similar near you; something to think about for a stress-free party next year.
Posted by: Farrell | May 31, 2009 08:34 AM
Please know that you have now joined legions of mothers living in the greater new york area who did the same exact thing you did when their child turned two. With every year you relax a bit. I did so much over cooking and over compensating for my son's first few birthdays that I could run the friggin Saint Patrick's Day parade with my eyes closed. It's fueled by loving our kids so much - but we snap out of it and embrace the pizza god eventually - and the kids still have a great time!
Posted by: evi | May 31, 2009 11:21 PM
I love the white and blue toile dress. All I can hear in my head is, "Girls in white dress with blue satin sashes..."
Posted by: Elana Essers | June 3, 2009 10:31 AM