Madison turned four last month and we celebrated her day at Monkey’s Joes on the Saturday afterwards. Mario and I agreed early on that we weren’t going to do big parties/events for our kid(s) birthdays until age five and beyond. We’ve stuck to that so far, only doing something simple at home each year with just us three or doing a simple treat at daycare/preschool on the day of. Young children really don’t need much to feel loved on their birthday, so to us it just makes sense.
However, I had the urge to do a bit more for Madison this year. I wanted to actually throw a party, invite friends and family, and really celebrate her/her birthday. When I wrote out the guest list, including children in our family, the children of our friends and friends from her school we ended up with 25 kids plus their parents. I knew right away that there was no way they could fit into our home nor did this pregnant lady want to plan and attend to that many guests. So, I figured using a place like Monkey Joes would keep it somewhat simple and would keep me from having to do too much.
Only about 15 children actually ended up coming but the event turned out to be pretty pricey with the amount of guests, food/drinks, three dozen gourmet cupcakes and party favors. This is one of the reasons why we have the “wait until they’re five” rule. But, I just had to do this for our girl for one main reason. This would be her last birthday as an only child. She’s our first born and by the time her sister arrives she will have had us to herself for well over four years. She and I have been extra clingy with each other lately (to my husband’s chagrin) as if she can already feel that things will change, in a good way, for us once baby is here.
More than anything I just wanted to celebrate Madison, surround her with love and make sure she had a wonderful, memorable time. The expressions of joy on her face in the photos below lead me to believe that we did good. Real good.
Special thanks to my sister-in-law/love who pulled out my camera
and took photos for me when I just didn’t have the energy to do it myself.
Be intentional,
Aww, I love it!! I didn't think about it, but I'm glad you gave her this birthday party since it will be her last birthday as the only child. Yes, things change when another child comes along and it's so easy to feel ignored (not intentionally). Both children are bound to feel some type of way about the other's child treatment from the parents (through no fault of the parents). Just embrace and enjoy her while you can. Two children will be a different kind of beast that I'm sure you're more than ready to handle! I hate that we missed the party, but we were definitely there in spirit!
She looks so happy!!! Birthday parties can be a headache to plan and pay for. We did a big for Savannah's 5th birthday and I was able to stay on budget but it was still LOTS of work. Madison is going to do well when her sister arrives. She's old enough to "get it". You all will naturally figure out how to give them both lots of attention. You could always do "Big Girl Days" with Madison. I like doing those with Savannah. We go out and do things that "little brothers can't do" (or don't have the patience for, LOL)
So cute!!!! Your daughter is adorable. I think that it's so sweet that you are taking the time to make sure you spend some extra time with her before the baby comes. My brother and I are about 4 1/2 years a part – and sometimes I do miss being an only child 😉 haha. just kidding!!!
~Mattie
http://www.mattiesmakings.com