I actually started planning his party months ago, but stopped when people accused me of not having anything better to do with my time... What can I say? I succumb to peer pressure easily.
I had a few clever ideas, but have since ran into a few snags.
What: I planned to do a "pirate theme", because we all know pirates are the new pink. I already had the invitations worded and the menu planned in my head for weeks! I wanted to serve Screwdrivers to the adults since they cure scruvy (hehe) and finger foods with little swords in them. The little swords aren't for the kids, by the way. Thier purpose was pruely to entertain me. For the kids, I would have Goldfish crackers or something...
So I began searching for cute decorations and favors. What really makes a pirate theme? Eye patches, bandannas, swords, and an awesome pirate hat, of course. Did I mention my son and all of his little baby friends are ONE. I can barely convince him to let me dress him every morning, so the chance he will wear (and keep on) any of this garb is beyond me. So, no costumes. Okay, moving on.
Then, I got stumped on how to make the house more "pirate-y". As I looked for ideas in some children's books on pirates, it occurred to me that pirates may not be the best theme for a 1st birthday. I mean, after all the hype, have you ever reflected on what pirates actually are? They were social deviants, thieves, murderers, and rapist. Could you image centuries from now, parents having a "pedophiles and perverts" theme to a kids party? Not quite as bad as the "pimp and ho" parties in college, but that was for entirely different reasons...
Now, I'm not denying the inherent coolness of pirates. They are, as I mentioned earlier, the new pink. I just think he should be a bit older before we let him have a pirate party... You know, when he's ready to wear hats, bandannas, and eye patches... oh, and can handle a sword.
Where: Upon the realization that my house will soon be crawling with several babies getting into everything from the kitchen cabinets to the toilet water, we went on a baby-proofing spree. The outlets have covers, the cabinets have locks, doorways have gates, and the corners have covers. My son, who still won't hold his own bottle, learned how to out-maneuver each and every device within a week. So much for that.
When: My son's actually birthday is on a Wednesday this year, so I planned on having his party the weekend after. Looking through a calendar, I realized that weekend in question is EASTER WEEKEND. We, my family, and most of our friends are Catholic, so that's a no go. I'm sure we'll be celebrating his birthday on that weekend anyway, but I don't think anyone else would show up. After asking me to stop cursing Easter (whah!), my husband convinced me to have it the weekend before, but that just doesn't seem right to me. It's like, "he's not really 1, yet....but, we'll pretend". I'm sure I'm just being a neurotic perfectionist. I'm okay with that.
Who: As much as I would like to cram 40 or more people into our modest home to celebrate, I would like to keep my sanity in check. I did that for his baptism and "no, thank you very much". Okay then, it's going to be a small gathering- a few friends, his godparents, my parents, my sisters, and... the in-laws. I really don't want to invite my in-laws. I know my love for my husband will be compelled to do so... but, I really, really, really, really don't want to invite my in-laws. It's not that I dislike them; it's just that I can really stand being around then. I know, I know. How cliche! (yawn) If you were to meet them, you would think they were perfectly, delightful people.... well, that's because you're not the one legally bound to them for a lifetime. I found them to be very likable too when I first met them, then I started having to live with them...
My mother-in-law is the type that starts sentences with, "You know I don't like giving advice, but..." or my favorite, "You can tell me this is none of business and to 'shut-up', but... ", then gets upset when you do. I learned that one the hard way. She also likes to add levels of stress to situations that are really and truly very simple, then says, "...but let's just keep it casual." I know she has good intentions, but it's difficult to keep that in sight when she is driving me crazy. I know my mother-in-law is going to find some way to (unintentionally) ruin yet one more happy occasion for us. You see, she never really means to put her foot in her mouth, she just does. This leads me to...
WHY????
I'm not going to win this battle. I know I have to include them... and try to keep the eye-rolling in check.
So there you have it. I have to plan a whole new party from the ground up. Typically, I love to plan parties, but there is so much pressure here. Those of you without kids are probably thinking that planning a 1st birthday shouldn't be a big deal... Right. For those of you that don't know, the real "mommy wars" aren't about working mom vs. SAHM. It's about who can host the best kids' birthday party. With all the competitiveness, drive, and focus once reserved for the office now directed to my son, this may prove to be a very dangerous trend that may one day guarantee my child an entire episode of My Super Sweet Sixteen (and yes, boys have them too). Geez, I hope not.
Well, wish me luck...
Photo by musingsorchards
No comments:
Post a Comment