So, at nine months pregnant (almost) I survived the delights of The Bean's second birthday! Thank goodness my parents-in-law were there to help make potato salad and dig out our 'party' champagne glasses from Ikea, because at one point, about ten minutes before the guests arrived I thought i was going to have a meltdown - and I couldn't even glug a glass of champagne to help me through the day...
It was probably something to do with the birthday cakes I'd made coming out of the oven about fifteen minutes before the guests arrived, and my husband was still hell bent on decorating them himself (and manning the BBQ and marinating the steaks). The cake was actually a huge success and featured The Bean's face including pigtails made out of Victoria sponge and icing. It was all high in sugar and very un-carrot cake! (I'm afraid organic mum had to keep little Milo away from my monstrosity).
The Bean enjoyed the day immensely apart from throwing a few presents on the floor (they were un-opened and I think she was overwhelmed by everyone giving her parcels when she wanted to play on her new micro scooter). The food and drinks was distinctly un-toddler and everyone snacked on delicious steak burgers and quaffed champagne... I'm not sure what the toddlers ate, I think it was pieces of my un-carrot cake cake! (judging by the hyperactivity anyway).
The day was a success but I was exhausted by the end. With fifteen toddlers and their parents to look after it is no surprise that I was longing for my bed by 9pm... This was fulled by the fact that friends who didn't have babies stayed on to get drunk whilst I watched jealously from the sofa, elevating my swollen ankles.
My husband and I decided this would be the last time we threw a party for toddlers and their parents - there is just too much to think about. I'll bet you'll find me in the same position next year though, but this time I'll have TWO children to look after...
For those of you who enjoy reading about other mums and the ups and downs of having children, do follow this link to
Jo Beaufoix's blog which I am enjoying reading at the moment. Jo describes herself as being like Kate Moss, but not, whcih made me chuckle! Jo is a 30 something mum who has two daughters, Miss E who is 7 and Miss M who is 3. She lives in Nottingham and describes herself as ‘a would-be writer , who tries to view the world through rose-tinted glasses but often finds they're covered in something sticky.’ I'm sure this is something we can all relate too. I pulled out my maternity notes to give to the midwife this morning only to discover they were covered in Charlie and Lola stickers!
I love to read about what life is like for a mum who has children older then my own so that I can fully prepare myself for what is in store. Yeah, I know it's torture to read about the tantrums and homework struggles, but I'm also looking forward to the struggles of brining up kids! Anyway, check our Jo's blog to read enticing entries such as
pink pets and strange knees...