Written by Tena as a part of the We’re Moms Too series.
We are in the process of planning our first birthday party for our son Myles; not to be confused with planning a birthday party for his first birthday. Confused? Probably not half as confused as I typically am with planning events!
There are those of us who enjoy entertaining; making food for large groups of people and getting family and friends together for celebrations. Then, there are people like me. I have anxiety about planning events; specifically around planning events at my house. Is it too dusty? Is there cat hair on the couch? Does anyone have dietary restrictions? Will my childhood friends get along with my mommy friends? Will my family embarrass me in front of my co-workers? How much food is enough? How many variations of beverages should I offer? The list is endless as to what I will find to stress out about so it should come as no surprise that I am not a fan of entertaining.
Because of this irrational fear (logically I know it is irrational) it is no wonder I skipped on having a bash for my son’s first birthday. Last year, I wanted his birthday to be low key and with immediate family. I wanted to enjoy every single second of his day and not stress about it in the least. That didn’t happen. We had other, unforeseen circumstances that I ended up stressing about. Stressing is part of who I am and while I’m hoping that I will outgrow it (maybe when I’m in my 40’s or 50’s) for now, I have decided to embrace it. That decision has led me to planning a party for Myles’ second birthday.
Much to my surprise, I am actually having some fun planning this event. I’ve found small ways to manage my stress level; like having the party two weeks after his actual birthday so that we can still have a nice family celebration together. Additionally, I am having the party at a park instead of at my house. I planned the party for the middle of the afternoon to avoid a typical “meal time” and have also strategically planned around his nap schedule. I am making Mac N’ Cheese (his favorite food) and serving it in martini glasses and offering some grown up topping options (like bacon, tomatoes, and onions). The party theme is Monsters, Inc. (ever since we’ve introduced him to Movie and Pizza Night, it has been Monsters, Inc. every Friday night). I am serving cake balls (cake pops without the stick because I find the sticks too difficult) and Sprite with colored ice cubes to drink or water.
For activities, I am not planning anything too grand. Myles enjoys dancing so we have rented a speaker to hook up to the iPad and will be downloading kidz bop volumes 20 – 23 to our iTunes account. Since we are having it at a park, the kids can also play on the swing sets and I may decide to bring over a few Step2 toys that we gave him as birthday presents. I am actually excited for the party and hoping it will be a huge success.
When we celebrated on his actual birthday this past Sunday, I told him that I wanted to make a wish too. My wish for him is that every birthday he has is better than the last; whatever that means to him. I am confident that I can help that to come true by becoming less of a basket case with each passing year, or at least finding ways to manage around it.
What is your wish for your children?
About Tena
Tena and her best friend (and hubby) had their first child in July, 2011. Their little guy has a congenital heart defect and he is one tough little cookie; don’t ever think about calling him sick though – “his plumbing is just different.” Tena is an animal loving vegetarian and is excited to teach her son about compassion and the importance of volunteer work. She secretly hopes her son will be left handed like his momma. She is the Online Marketing Director for Step2.
