“What? But you can’t have her party on Saturday – that’s your birthday!” said my incredulous coffee companion.
She was referring to the upcoming party for my middle-child, who turns six on Monday, two days after I turn a far less significant age. And because you can’t have birthday parties on Mondays, her party is on Saturday – on my birthday.
And that’s fine. Because of course, when you become a parent, you put your kids first (excuse me while I polish my halo.)
And anyway, when you’re turning a quite grown-up and not terribly significant age, you don’t need to celebrate your birthday. I’m totally fine with that. Totally.
Well, it would be nice to have a little lie-in on my birthday… Instead, I’ll be getting up early to blow up balloons and hang bunting and wrap pass-the-parcel presents and get 32 (yep, 32) unicorn horns filled with jelly-beans. And sure it’s grand, I can have a lie-in any time (I know, that’s not even true, but humour me.)
And even though I’m a grown-up now, I do still like cake. It would be nice to have a birthday cake. And I will – one that I make myself admittedly, and it’ll be in the shape of a “6” and I won’t get to blow out candles. But still, it’s my birthday, and there will be cake. Box ticked.
It’d be nice to do something with the kids for my birthday, like go out for lunch maybe. What’s nearly as good as going out for lunch, is hosting a party for 32 five- and six-year-olds. For a start, there will be food, albeit food I make myself, and also, there will be games – you don’t get games when you go to a restaurant, right? It might not be as relaxing as my imaginary restaurant lunch, but I’m OK with that. I’m a grown-up. I don’t need to celebrate my birthday anymore. Honest.
*being brave*
Sob. I can’t do it. It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to.
Except of course, it’s not my party.
And that’s OK. Really 🙂
Sweet Jesus! 32 little children plus sweets? I’m quite glad that the frugal, reserved Germans generally go for the amount of children attending the party being equal to the number of years old the child is. So a six year old would get to invite 5 friends. You’d be the one inviting 32 (or so) guests 😉
Fionnuala recently posted…The Pony’s Progress
*moves to Germany by 2pm today*
🙂
Pop over any time, for research purposes or whatever.
Fionnuala recently posted…Adults and Their Lack of Parenting Skills
Clearly, these are the things you need to think about before deciding it’s a good time to conceive a child. I spread our birthdays nicely out around the calendar on purpose. (Kinda. Not really.)
Happy early birthday anyway, and don’t forget to sneak an extra unicorn horn for yourself. You deserve it.
Maud recently posted…Camouflage
My sister is four days after me, so we’re used to June birthdays and joint parties, and that’s all good. However joint parties with a six-year-old are different aren’t they – we just don’t seem to have the same taste in celebrations… Mine will start at 4pm 🙂
That is the ultimate in mammy martyrdom.
*Whispers* why didn’t you have the party next Saturday? We’re hosting a birthday party tomorrow too, for my 2 year old. Busy time of year!
Sinead @bumbles of rice recently posted…What’s in my bag? Yes, I was surprised too
I know. We got away with movable feasts for the last few years, but she’s old enough now to know when her real birthday is and to work out when the best time for a party is. And I reckon this is minor compared to future years staying sober on my birthday so I can collect her from discos on hers!
Oh and happy birthday
Sinead @bumbles of rice recently posted…What’s in my bag? Yes, I was surprised too
Happy birthday! Hope you’re down off that cross and stuck in to your own bash.
I thought I would be, hence my martyr act, but no! It wasn’t to be. I’m still attempting to celebrate properly. Every single day. It’s hard work…
Happy Birthday to both of you. Hope all goes well, all 32 unicorn horns included.
Kellie Kearney recently posted…Things Only a Baby Can Get Away With
thanks Kellie! It went well. It was chaos, but it went well 🙂
32 unicorn horns! 32 kids!! 32 well earned glasses of wine 😉
Nicola Naessens recently posted…A Healthy Start – #betterbreakfasts
You’re so right Nicola! I think I’ve had three of the 32 so far, I’ll keep going!