Firstborn had a birthday party yesterday which was held jointly with one of her classmates - thank God because 9 months pregnant + sole responsibility for 15 hysterical pre-pubescents does not a happy partnership make. It was about all I could do to bake a cake, decorate it (looked like the culinary equivalent of Dolly Parton but what the heck, the kids practically inhaled it anyway) and throw a few favours in some party bags. Oh, and drive to the venue with two excited children leaping about like cocker spaniels.
Even this small stuff had me waddling about feeling like a Victorian lady having a fit of the vapours. I got even more cross every time I peered down and caught a glimpse of my fat ankles and sausage toes. Plus I was also momentarily majorly p'eed with poor Alpha, who spent the day permanently attached to the loo with a bad case of gastro-flu, just in case he was doing a job on me and trying to duck out of daddy-party-duties. As if he would (dare) but these up-the-duff hormones get to you in funny ways at times.
Anyway, the party was a roaring success, although I regret to say it's probably the last time the kids will be happy with a game of pass the parcel, a few buckets of water and an e-number-stuffed pinata. No doubt next year Firstborn will be demanding spa services, dinner at Nobu and a personal appearance from Justin Timberlake. What I am sure of, though, is that the guest list will be dramatically whittled down next time - no more egalitarian let's-invite-the-whole-class stuff. The reason? The mother who shamelessly sent her daughter to the party with the chipped old china statue and (obviously pre-loved) faux crocodile skin pen pot wrapped up as birthday gifts, knows why. The recession may have hit Dubai and recycling might be all the rage, but come on.... there's a huge difference between being Green and being plain, penny-pinching mean.
Even this small stuff had me waddling about feeling like a Victorian lady having a fit of the vapours. I got even more cross every time I peered down and caught a glimpse of my fat ankles and sausage toes. Plus I was also momentarily majorly p'eed with poor Alpha, who spent the day permanently attached to the loo with a bad case of gastro-flu, just in case he was doing a job on me and trying to duck out of daddy-party-duties. As if he would (dare) but these up-the-duff hormones get to you in funny ways at times.
Anyway, the party was a roaring success, although I regret to say it's probably the last time the kids will be happy with a game of pass the parcel, a few buckets of water and an e-number-stuffed pinata. No doubt next year Firstborn will be demanding spa services, dinner at Nobu and a personal appearance from Justin Timberlake. What I am sure of, though, is that the guest list will be dramatically whittled down next time - no more egalitarian let's-invite-the-whole-class stuff. The reason? The mother who shamelessly sent her daughter to the party with the chipped old china statue and (obviously pre-loved) faux crocodile skin pen pot wrapped up as birthday gifts, knows why. The recession may have hit Dubai and recycling might be all the rage, but come on.... there's a huge difference between being Green and being plain, penny-pinching mean.
Comments
Birthday parties totally give me the vapors. 4 y/o's Beatles birthday party this year was nearly the end of me this past May. Glad you got through it!