Wednesday, July 23, 2008

my girl wants to party all the time

Lest you think I do not live up to my name of Slacker Mama, I have a confession to make. I have never thrown either of my girls a birthday party. For E's first birthday, we did have a shin-dig, but it was more of a house-warming thing as most of our friends had not been to our house yet. Sure there were cupcakes, but the beer-to-sippycup ratio took away any sort of official "kid's birthday party" status we had hoped to achieve. For her second birthday, it was a playdate, really, that John didn't even attend. And last year, we had a small family bar-b-que for E and poor A got cake with her immeidate family and Nonna.

But this year, things will be different. Not because I am hankering to throw some sort of elaborate birthday party...but because E is well aware of the concept of birthday parties. Pretty much everyday, she will talk about something that will "be at my birthday party when I turn 4." She also is aware that other parents actually celebrate birthdays at school, too...which means I will also be forced to schlep some sort of healthy, individually-packaged, nut-free celebration treat (damn you, school food nazis!) for her classmates to enjoy. Apparently when I said, "Oh I'm not going to do anything big for her birhdays until she notices" really meant "until she turns 4."

Yesterday, a copy of Oriental Trading Company's catalog came in the mail. Not sure how I ended up on this mailing list...but a copy usually shows up every other week and promptly ends up in our recycling bin before even making it into the house. Somehow, E got her hands on it...and has been poring over it like it was the most intriguiging novel ever written. She took it to bed with her last night, and wanted to show her friends at school today. She has determined that she will have The Princess crap stuff at her party when she turns four. To make matters worse, even A has been looking at this thing and points at the Dora and Diego parties while squealing.

Sooooooo...check your mailboxes...'cause if I can't figure out a way to get out of it The Princess Party of the century is coming soon!

7 comments:

JerseyBaby said...

Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! Finally sucked into it, I see! I can't wait to see the outcome! Of course you could try to divert her with the promise of a big trip, but then you'd just end up in Disney, and I'm not sure which is worse... Also, note that the birthday planning process is year-round for little girls. Haven has been planning her 6 year old party since the day after her 5th birthday.

One Little Brownie said...

Oh Golly...don't even get me started on the toils and elaborate-ness of birthday parties...We kept it simple for both this year (tricked V into thinking her "birthday party") was ME bringing yummy treats to her school and then having her classmates sing "Happy Birthday." I may have to be a Slacker-Runner Up.

Queen Mommy said...

You know I love a shin-dig, especially a themed one. I say I am going to keep it simple, but it never happens. If you need any help getting all stressed out and going over the top, just call me!

marathon mom said...

Will's party was 2 weeks ago today, and he is in full planning mode for his 5th already. Since this is party season for us (March- October we seem to be at a party per week) he cannot get it out of his head. But- it is a great bribe tool- put it on your birthday list, works every time!!! He had no idea his party this year was not elaborate- he was just as happy. We did not do the big weekend party b/c of all of the adults we were feeing- I felt I was entertaining adults and missing out on my kid's 'party'. The playgroup one went so much better, only had a few kids, and he had the time of his life!

Lipstick said...

So funny about the individually packaged and nut-free treats!

Anonymous said...

As a teacher, I love Oriental Trading Company! That catalog rocks! I would be happy to help with the princess planning . . . maybe I can pick up some HELLO KITTY crap in Japan!

I miss the Shorts. Konichiwa!

Kiki-san

Shannon said...

I'm actually proud of you. I am not the one to have a big party for every birthday either, but apparently everyone else in my circle is, including her Daddy. So, I'm hoping to get awayt this year with just a dinner at home with a few friends and family...we'll see how that goes. Oh yeah- curses to Oriental Trading. I like their stuff, but leave me alone already!