Three

It really shouldn't have been so stressful. A three-year-old's birthday party. But the weeks got away before I knew it and her birthday passed and we had so much going on with the whole Morgan Stanley move, but I SWORE I'd throw her a real party this year. We did Sea World on her real birthday which probably would have seemed like more than enough if that's actually why we went... but it wasn't. And I felt bad killing two birds with one stone just because I knew I could get away with it since she is only three. I remember going to Mother's Day family parties and my mom telling me it was also my birthday party and I didn't buy it. (Sorry mom, not traumatized or anything, just a memory :)). I'm sure Sophia isn't old enough to catch me yet.... but regardless, I guess for my sake, or something (and I knew that she would LOVE every second of it- my social butterfly) ... we finally did the real birthday party. Only a few weeks late.

In order to reduce the amount of stress involved, I kept telling myself it would just be a few of her closest friends, and some cupcakes. "Erase from your memory the Fancy Nancy Party" I told myself. Forget the homemade suckers and crown-decorating, the tiny round PB&J sandwiches and the fancy hot chocolate with whipped cream. The home-made Tutu that served as the "take-home trinket," AND the goody bucket of nail-polishes and lip-gloss. No one will judge you if it really is just cupcakes. But then I keep thinking. But people will bring gifts. Are they expecting that in return for their gift they'll get an A-list party with a great take-away?! Such panic. Sometimes, I tell you.... this mommy thing... we've got some stiff competition. :) (I'm kidding, so please, no anonymous comments about how it really doesn't matter and it seems as though I'm too worried about the small things in life and I shouldn't compare myself to other moms....).

So it was a few friends (I debated and debated how many to invite... too many cute kids in our area now... too few spots at the table etc.... so another stress.... local friend-bloggers, please don't be offended if you weren't invited to my last-minute, belated, small birthday party), cupcakes, some painting, some crazy dancing (and wrestling... see pic. of Sophia and Tanner.... the only boy at the party had to bring some boy fun with him) and some present opening. All in all, a success.

Sophia did her flawless present-opening reaction over and over again " (gasp) Woooooowwwww.... what iiiiiiiiiisss it????? Wooooowww........" that almost makes the spoiling-rotten part of birthday parties all worth it.