Lately there has been a lot of new babies being born amongst my friends and family. Five months ago I even welcomed our new little one, but the difference being this is my third child. I was laughing the other night, as I was typing on facebook to a relative who has a three week old, over a conversation about lack of sleep.
So, I started to think back to my first two children. The lack of sleep that left you feeling like a zombie. Those sleepless nights when they are teething. Waking when they are infants every 3 to 4 hours, if you were lucky, to feed them. Little colds that would keep them congested and you from getting any sleep. Really, and all those who give the advice of "sleep when the baby sleeps"? Yeah right! When they sleep there is laundry to be done, and dinner to be made, and floor to be vacuumed! If you did not get those things done on a daily basis, you were screwed because it is almost impossible to catch up. I remember sitting up at night for about 6 months when my daughter was teething. She would go to bed at 9 and be back up at 10 and just be up and down all night. I can tell you every single line from Elmo in Grouchland. That was the only movies we watched as we cuddled on the couch. She would stop crying and just lay there, on my pregnant belly, with her rosy red cheeks and a runny nose. She was done crying, but then I would start! Everyone had advice on what to do. "Let her cry it out!", "Rock her in a rocking chair!", "Medicate her!" I would sit and just say "God, please if you are listening, I will do anything just please let me be able to sleep a good nights sleep!"
The truth is I tried each of those thing and it never worked. We had to find out what worked for us. What works for one baby may not work for another. I found that the more stressed and tense I was, the worse my baby would be. Now, that said, I only no that now that I have my new little one! It really is trial and error with your baby. People can give you advice and you can try what you would like to. But, more often than not you have to fall into a routine that works for you.
With my new son, when he gets cranky, gassy, or fussy, we rock in his favorite chair and I pull him close, I sing or talk to him in a sweet voice. I relax my body and tap on his bum gently. This is what works for us. He calms down and stares into my eyes. I am relaxed so he is relaxed!
Sleep is such a valued thing. You just feel as though if you can get one good nights sleep the next 6 months will be better somehow!
Your babies sleep patterns will change and it will get better. Just when your body adjusts to no sleep your baby will start to sleep better, that's usually how it goes!
I have figured out that once your baby is getting a little older and is taking in about 24 ounces or more, you can squeeze in those feeding during the day. This makes it so that they are full before they go down to sleep for the night. You know they have had all they need for the day and if they are waking at night it is for something other than food. More often than not, this is when they will sleep for a longer period of time at night.
Remember to trust in yourself. Even first time moms have the answers. You know what is best for your baby even if it means trying different methods to find what works for you.
Do you have any advice or tips that you can post on my blog? Maybe you can help another sleepless mother...
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Make A Muscle! Make A Difference! MDA
I got a Facebook post from my brother-in -law this morning. In the post he was asking friends and friends of friends to please buy a Shamrock for Muscular Dystrophy. This is their annual program that collects a lot of money for kids with M.D. Our family has a friend who is 7 years old and he has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. We bought a shamrock for him!
The MDA Shamrocks campaign started in 1982 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and taken nationally a year later This program raises funds to support MDA’s fight against muscular dystrophy and related diseases, including its programs of research, services, advocacy and education. The program benefits MDA’s nationwide network of some 200 medical clinics, and it helps send thousands of children with muscle diseases to a week of accessible fun at MDA summer camp.
Shamrocks Against Dystrophy is the nation’s largest charity-related fundraiser associated with St. Patrick’s Day.
A number of top retailers and restaurants help sponsor and support the campaign, including: Applebee’s, Burger King, CITGO Petroleum Corporation, Jiffy Lube, Kroger, Lowe’s, Pizza Hut, 7-Eleven and Valero Corner Stores.
So, please buy a shamrock. One dollar can go along way if we all donate!
About MDA
MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.
The MDA Shamrocks campaign started in 1982 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and taken nationally a year later This program raises funds to support MDA’s fight against muscular dystrophy and related diseases, including its programs of research, services, advocacy and education. The program benefits MDA’s nationwide network of some 200 medical clinics, and it helps send thousands of children with muscle diseases to a week of accessible fun at MDA summer camp.
Shamrocks Against Dystrophy is the nation’s largest charity-related fundraiser associated with St. Patrick’s Day.
A number of top retailers and restaurants help sponsor and support the campaign, including: Applebee’s, Burger King, CITGO Petroleum Corporation, Jiffy Lube, Kroger, Lowe’s, Pizza Hut, 7-Eleven and Valero Corner Stores.
So, please buy a shamrock. One dollar can go along way if we all donate!
About MDA
MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Appreciate what you have in the now!
I know we all hear it. We here it from our parents, our teachers, our neighbors, and our mentors. They all tell us to slow down and enjoy what we have. They say never to wish those times away! Well, I know that is easier said than done and I am guilty of doing this too. As I am sure we all are.
When my 2 older kids were young, I was still a youngster myself. The ripe old age of 23 was when my first child came. And, 3 months after I gave birth to her I found out I was again pregnant with my son. I think this is where I started to rush everything in my life. I couldn't wait for my daughter to walk because I was going to have another baby to deal with. I couldn't wait until she could talk so I could better understand what she was meaning. I was tired, literally, and tired of not knowing what those cries meant. I was so anxious to get her into a big girl front facing car seat so that I did not have to carry 2 infant car seats. The same happened with my son when he came. I didn't even have an excuse to rush him. There were no babies coming from this momma anytime soon, or if at all!
I couldn't wait until they started preschool and then from preschool I was excited for them to start elementary school, sport, and friends. Well, Let me tell you, it has happened they are in the 3rd and 4rth grade now and all I want is that time back. All that time that I wished away. All those times that I thought "God, I just want her to walk. my back is killing me and I am tired" Well, now I wish that she wanted to crawl in my lap, hold my hand, and ask for me to pick her up. The same goes for my 9 year old son.
Since I have my new little one, I get to enjoy those special moments and I am in no hurry to make him grow up. I want to enjoy every moment with him as I know that in the blink of an eye he will be grown up and not needing me for as much as he used to. I listen to his every cry, every giggle, and every wimper. I hold him when he needs me, I cuddle because I want to, and I stare while he is eating. The rest of the world can wait. My housework goes on hold and I am cherishing every moment I have with him.
So, cherish every moment you have with your children. Hold them tight, read them stories, and tuck them in at night. When you do this, make sure to slow down and enjoy the time you have with them. You never know when it is that you won't have it anymore!
When my 2 older kids were young, I was still a youngster myself. The ripe old age of 23 was when my first child came. And, 3 months after I gave birth to her I found out I was again pregnant with my son. I think this is where I started to rush everything in my life. I couldn't wait for my daughter to walk because I was going to have another baby to deal with. I couldn't wait until she could talk so I could better understand what she was meaning. I was tired, literally, and tired of not knowing what those cries meant. I was so anxious to get her into a big girl front facing car seat so that I did not have to carry 2 infant car seats. The same happened with my son when he came. I didn't even have an excuse to rush him. There were no babies coming from this momma anytime soon, or if at all!
I couldn't wait until they started preschool and then from preschool I was excited for them to start elementary school, sport, and friends. Well, Let me tell you, it has happened they are in the 3rd and 4rth grade now and all I want is that time back. All that time that I wished away. All those times that I thought "God, I just want her to walk. my back is killing me and I am tired" Well, now I wish that she wanted to crawl in my lap, hold my hand, and ask for me to pick her up. The same goes for my 9 year old son.
Since I have my new little one, I get to enjoy those special moments and I am in no hurry to make him grow up. I want to enjoy every moment with him as I know that in the blink of an eye he will be grown up and not needing me for as much as he used to. I listen to his every cry, every giggle, and every wimper. I hold him when he needs me, I cuddle because I want to, and I stare while he is eating. The rest of the world can wait. My housework goes on hold and I am cherishing every moment I have with him.
So, cherish every moment you have with your children. Hold them tight, read them stories, and tuck them in at night. When you do this, make sure to slow down and enjoy the time you have with them. You never know when it is that you won't have it anymore!
Friday, March 2, 2012
Cut Throat Sports
When did sports become so cut throat? I just finished reading a story about a man who went to his daughters hockey game and, while sitting in the stands, pointed a laser in the eyes of the opposing teams goalie. Really? How did it get to that point? Will the daughter ever look back at that game and wonder if she was good enough to win that game on her own without the "help" of her moron father. Will everyone always look at that game and say "Really, you couldn't have won that game without cheating!"
How are our kids supposed to better themselves if their parent interjects themselves into a situation like this. He should feel ashamed of himself!
It is unbelievable how hard some parents can be on their children when it comes to sports. In my family, we push our kids to exceed in the sports they choose to participate in, but not at the expense of others. I know that if my children or I as a parent help to cheat, they will never learn to be better. There is something to be said for losing. It builds character and teaches a child how to work hard to become better at whatever they will do. You can't cheat your way into the NHL, NFL, or NBA. Your name does not get you into the NHL, NFL, or NBA. And certainly, if you make it their, your father can't sit in the stands and shine a laser in the eyes of the opponents to help you win. The only thing that will get you into a professional team is your skills and your hard work
We tell our kids the following two statements and they apply all the time.
1."To be the best you have to play with the best"
This means you want to play against the best players you can. Even if this means you lose every game. The only way you can be better is to watch and learn from those who are better than you.
2. " If you have to tell us how great you are, then you are not so great!"
First, you can be good at something but there is always room for improvement. And, usually the kid that will walk around talking about how awesome they are and how much better they play than others, isn't that great. It is usually the kid that sits quietly, plays hard, and keeps his mouth shut and listens to others that excels tremendously in a sport and in life.
In conclusion, the lesson in this story is simple. Cheaters never win and winners never cheat! Work hard and win on your own merit. It will make them stronger and will help them excel in life! This goes for kids and parents alike!
How are our kids supposed to better themselves if their parent interjects themselves into a situation like this. He should feel ashamed of himself!
It is unbelievable how hard some parents can be on their children when it comes to sports. In my family, we push our kids to exceed in the sports they choose to participate in, but not at the expense of others. I know that if my children or I as a parent help to cheat, they will never learn to be better. There is something to be said for losing. It builds character and teaches a child how to work hard to become better at whatever they will do. You can't cheat your way into the NHL, NFL, or NBA. Your name does not get you into the NHL, NFL, or NBA. And certainly, if you make it their, your father can't sit in the stands and shine a laser in the eyes of the opponents to help you win. The only thing that will get you into a professional team is your skills and your hard work
We tell our kids the following two statements and they apply all the time.
1."To be the best you have to play with the best"
This means you want to play against the best players you can. Even if this means you lose every game. The only way you can be better is to watch and learn from those who are better than you.
2. " If you have to tell us how great you are, then you are not so great!"
First, you can be good at something but there is always room for improvement. And, usually the kid that will walk around talking about how awesome they are and how much better they play than others, isn't that great. It is usually the kid that sits quietly, plays hard, and keeps his mouth shut and listens to others that excels tremendously in a sport and in life.
In conclusion, the lesson in this story is simple. Cheaters never win and winners never cheat! Work hard and win on your own merit. It will make them stronger and will help them excel in life! This goes for kids and parents alike!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Technology and the Loss of Kids Imaginations!
I remember having such a vivid imagination when I was young. I would play house with my sister on the front porch and use our porch swing as the car. I would seat belt my Cabbage Patch kids in with the belt from a bathrobe. We used to pretend there were leprechauns in our yard and set traps for them. We would go into our basement and play barbies with my brothers old Tonka Jeep and make towns out of Lincoln Logs.
There were no talking babies, no handheld games, no laptops, my Cabbage Patch even had yarn for here hair. I had to make my toys talk and walk, I had to pretend that the horse was galloping into the Lincoln Log Barn. Where have all our kids imaginations gone?
As much as technology has done for us, I think it has taken a lot away from our kids. There is really nothing we can do about it. We all adapted and there is no going back. If you go to the store and look at the shelves with the babies on them. There may be 1 or 2 dolls that are just regular dolls that come with a bottle and you have to pretend but the rest can talk, cry, eat, and even poop in their diapers.
Really? How much fun can that possibly be? I have watched my kids over the years get so bored with these toys. They play with them for a few days and then the toy will be found in the bottom of the toy chest with the next stop being a box in the basement.
I watched my kids in my mother-in-laws basement when she was moving. They had taken out their uncles Rock em' Sock em' Robots and Hungry Hungry Hippos. They played those games all day and asked if they could have them to take home. Now, isn't that funny, hours of entertainment by the toys that had the least instant satisfaction!
We waste millions a year for our kids to play with the latest and greatest toys. I would love to see my kids use their imaginations more. How about you? What are some toys you think make kids use their imaginations?
There were no talking babies, no handheld games, no laptops, my Cabbage Patch even had yarn for here hair. I had to make my toys talk and walk, I had to pretend that the horse was galloping into the Lincoln Log Barn. Where have all our kids imaginations gone?
As much as technology has done for us, I think it has taken a lot away from our kids. There is really nothing we can do about it. We all adapted and there is no going back. If you go to the store and look at the shelves with the babies on them. There may be 1 or 2 dolls that are just regular dolls that come with a bottle and you have to pretend but the rest can talk, cry, eat, and even poop in their diapers.
Really? How much fun can that possibly be? I have watched my kids over the years get so bored with these toys. They play with them for a few days and then the toy will be found in the bottom of the toy chest with the next stop being a box in the basement.
I watched my kids in my mother-in-laws basement when she was moving. They had taken out their uncles Rock em' Sock em' Robots and Hungry Hungry Hippos. They played those games all day and asked if they could have them to take home. Now, isn't that funny, hours of entertainment by the toys that had the least instant satisfaction!
We waste millions a year for our kids to play with the latest and greatest toys. I would love to see my kids use their imaginations more. How about you? What are some toys you think make kids use their imaginations?
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
The Pay It Foward Project!
I am starting the Pay it forward Project! Paying it forward is so important to so many people. The great thing about paying it forward is that it can be something small to you the giver, but be something so huge to the person receiving. You never know.
Paying it forward does not mean it has to be monetary to mean something. Holding a door for a person with a baby carriage or telling the frustrated mother with the screaming kid in the grocery store that it is okay and asking if she needs help. If you have a little extra money maybe it is paying for the elderly mans coffee in front of you.
This Pay it Forward project, for me, is to teach my kids about what it means to give to others. We have payed it forward before and It taught me and my kids a lesson.
6 Years ago, My kids and I would pass a homeless man everyday when we would drop off my husband at work. Same spot, same time, everyday. Honestly, I would turn my nose up and look away, everyday. My kids started asking me why he holds that sign asking for money. Everyday from then on out I would look at him, first reading the sign then looking at his face. His sign said "Vietnam Vet, Homeless and Hungry". I started thinking where is man could have come from, where he has been, and where he may go. It was pretty sad. Now, I don't have a lot but I did have more than this man had. My kids asked me to give him the money I had in my pocket, which was probably $5 bucks. I could have rolled down my window, given him the money, and rolled along. But, I told them no, I was not going to give this man money. They asked me why and I told them I had something better planned. The next day I packed my husbands lunch for work and I packed my homeless mans lunch. I packed a brown bag with a ham sandwich, chips, a soda, and some snacks. My husband thought I was crazy, but I explained to him that this was going to teach our kids to be generous to others. When we rolled up to the light where he stood, I rolled down my window and handed the brown bag to him. I said, "I don't have money to give to you but here is a lunch for you to eat today". He said "God Bless you, I will not be hungry today". My kids felt so good that they had done something nice for him. Truth be told, I felt so good inside. Maybe, he payed it forward in someway. Maybe that brown bag lunch started some kind of chain of events that made someone else have a great day.
I want this to be something that is talked about. Kids and adults alike can learn from this project. So, for the next week, I want to hear your stories about what you, your kids, or your family have done to pay it forward.
Talk to your kids and tell them about this project. Ask them at dinner what they did to pay it forward and tell them what you did in your day to pay it forward.
This project is going to spread kindness and compassion. Remember, something small you might do can change the course of events in someone else's life!
Melanie~
Paying it forward does not mean it has to be monetary to mean something. Holding a door for a person with a baby carriage or telling the frustrated mother with the screaming kid in the grocery store that it is okay and asking if she needs help. If you have a little extra money maybe it is paying for the elderly mans coffee in front of you.
This Pay it Forward project, for me, is to teach my kids about what it means to give to others. We have payed it forward before and It taught me and my kids a lesson.
6 Years ago, My kids and I would pass a homeless man everyday when we would drop off my husband at work. Same spot, same time, everyday. Honestly, I would turn my nose up and look away, everyday. My kids started asking me why he holds that sign asking for money. Everyday from then on out I would look at him, first reading the sign then looking at his face. His sign said "Vietnam Vet, Homeless and Hungry". I started thinking where is man could have come from, where he has been, and where he may go. It was pretty sad. Now, I don't have a lot but I did have more than this man had. My kids asked me to give him the money I had in my pocket, which was probably $5 bucks. I could have rolled down my window, given him the money, and rolled along. But, I told them no, I was not going to give this man money. They asked me why and I told them I had something better planned. The next day I packed my husbands lunch for work and I packed my homeless mans lunch. I packed a brown bag with a ham sandwich, chips, a soda, and some snacks. My husband thought I was crazy, but I explained to him that this was going to teach our kids to be generous to others. When we rolled up to the light where he stood, I rolled down my window and handed the brown bag to him. I said, "I don't have money to give to you but here is a lunch for you to eat today". He said "God Bless you, I will not be hungry today". My kids felt so good that they had done something nice for him. Truth be told, I felt so good inside. Maybe, he payed it forward in someway. Maybe that brown bag lunch started some kind of chain of events that made someone else have a great day.
I want this to be something that is talked about. Kids and adults alike can learn from this project. So, for the next week, I want to hear your stories about what you, your kids, or your family have done to pay it forward.
Talk to your kids and tell them about this project. Ask them at dinner what they did to pay it forward and tell them what you did in your day to pay it forward.
This project is going to spread kindness and compassion. Remember, something small you might do can change the course of events in someone else's life!
Melanie~
Monday, February 27, 2012
Birthday Parties! My How They have grown
When I was young, my parents idea of a birthday party for us was to have family over to celebrate.We would have so much fun laughing and opening up our presents that each one of our family members would bring for us. We were allowed to have a friend come over for the party and when we were a bit older, that friend could spend the night. Now, I do remember a couple of years that I would have a slumber party for my birthday. That said, I had a blast. I remember my birthday being something I could not wait for. Then and even now, looking back on them, I never remember thinking it was not enough or what was going to top this one next year.
Now, in the present day, with my kids birthdays were becoming a monster. My first 2 children are 11 months apart. We would join their birthday parties together for the first 5 years since their birthdays were only 2 weeks apart, with the exception of the first birthday parties. From their first birthday parties on, I was thinking what was going to top this party for next year. Was I crazy? Family and friends, our friends and theirs. Food, oh the food. I spent days cooking and cleaning and preparing for the big event.
Our first joint birthday party was rather simple, with the exception of the 30 people or so we had at our house. There was cake and apps, but as for other activities the kids were outside playing in the yard with all the toys. Everyone seemed to have a good time including the birthdays kids!
The next year, the kids were turning 3 and 4. We had to up the anti! It was about 30 to 40 people packed into my house. The apps and cake turned into dinner food and a bigger cake. Outside play turned into organized chaos with games to play. and we had prizes and goodie bags! The kids had a good time, and so did the birthday kids. They were a little whiny and when opening our presents there were tears. I would sit back and think to myself, "Do they have any idea what I just did for them? Why were they acting like this? It seems so rude that they are crying and cranky when all these people are here to enjoy this day with them." With the exception of being tired and a little cranky, I made it through. But, again, I am sitting there later in the evening thinking what next years party would be!
Then came our final birthday party even though we did not know it yet. Here we were, turning 4 and 5 years old. This was going to be the best party ever, or at least until next year! So, this year our party size grew. We had more friends from preschool which in turn meant more parents at the party. Each one of the kids had about 15 kids in their class. So, that is 30 kids right there! Each with at least 1 adult and maybe a sibling. Plus our family and our friends and of course the kids friends that were not in their classes. The cooking had to start a week in advance. The cake was started days in advance as this one was bigger than the last and it had cupcakes for the kids. Decorated with handmade jungle animal chocolate lollipops and palm trees. It was a lot of work. I sat up in my kitchen at night working on the things. I was crying in my kitchen thinking I was never going to be ready for this party. I had so much to do. All the cleaning I had done, I had to do again the day of the party as I had made huge messes with the food prep. It was overwhelming to say the least! I was yelling at my kids and yelling at my husband. Then feeling guilty for yelling, I would cry.
The party went off great. The kids played games, until the traveling zoo came to the house. We all went downstairs to see, pet, and learn about the animals. My kids got to hold them, even the alligator! It was amazing. There were tears again opening the presents and it took hours to open them. With that many kids there, there were an awful lot of gifts. The kids would get distracted and and then got to a point that they were not even interested in opening them, but we got through it.
At the end of the party when everyone left I got to reflect on the day. As I stood in the doorway starting at the hours of clean up I had in front of me I thought to myself "I cannot top this next year!" I was exhausted, worn out, and emotionally drained.
Was it worth seeing my kids faces holding the animals and blowing out the candles, of course it was. But, would they have been any less happy if it was a birthday party with their family and a friend. Again, I was happy and don't think I missed out on anything when it was my birthday.
I guess, I was doing the parties more as a selfish reason. I think I was trying to out do not only the last party, but other peoples parties. I wanted it to be bigger and better and to have that feeling of people saying wow!
I really reevaluated after the "Zoo party". Every year from then on out, my kids would get money for their birthday. They would pick either myself or my husband to go shopping with. They get to pick out whatever they want at the store. We still have a birthday dinner and we will have birthday cake. We even have some family over to share in the birthday excitement. And you know what, they still have an awesome day!
Melanie~
Now, in the present day, with my kids birthdays were becoming a monster. My first 2 children are 11 months apart. We would join their birthday parties together for the first 5 years since their birthdays were only 2 weeks apart, with the exception of the first birthday parties. From their first birthday parties on, I was thinking what was going to top this party for next year. Was I crazy? Family and friends, our friends and theirs. Food, oh the food. I spent days cooking and cleaning and preparing for the big event.
Our first joint birthday party was rather simple, with the exception of the 30 people or so we had at our house. There was cake and apps, but as for other activities the kids were outside playing in the yard with all the toys. Everyone seemed to have a good time including the birthdays kids!
The next year, the kids were turning 3 and 4. We had to up the anti! It was about 30 to 40 people packed into my house. The apps and cake turned into dinner food and a bigger cake. Outside play turned into organized chaos with games to play. and we had prizes and goodie bags! The kids had a good time, and so did the birthday kids. They were a little whiny and when opening our presents there were tears. I would sit back and think to myself, "Do they have any idea what I just did for them? Why were they acting like this? It seems so rude that they are crying and cranky when all these people are here to enjoy this day with them." With the exception of being tired and a little cranky, I made it through. But, again, I am sitting there later in the evening thinking what next years party would be!
Then came our final birthday party even though we did not know it yet. Here we were, turning 4 and 5 years old. This was going to be the best party ever, or at least until next year! So, this year our party size grew. We had more friends from preschool which in turn meant more parents at the party. Each one of the kids had about 15 kids in their class. So, that is 30 kids right there! Each with at least 1 adult and maybe a sibling. Plus our family and our friends and of course the kids friends that were not in their classes. The cooking had to start a week in advance. The cake was started days in advance as this one was bigger than the last and it had cupcakes for the kids. Decorated with handmade jungle animal chocolate lollipops and palm trees. It was a lot of work. I sat up in my kitchen at night working on the things. I was crying in my kitchen thinking I was never going to be ready for this party. I had so much to do. All the cleaning I had done, I had to do again the day of the party as I had made huge messes with the food prep. It was overwhelming to say the least! I was yelling at my kids and yelling at my husband. Then feeling guilty for yelling, I would cry.
The party went off great. The kids played games, until the traveling zoo came to the house. We all went downstairs to see, pet, and learn about the animals. My kids got to hold them, even the alligator! It was amazing. There were tears again opening the presents and it took hours to open them. With that many kids there, there were an awful lot of gifts. The kids would get distracted and and then got to a point that they were not even interested in opening them, but we got through it.
At the end of the party when everyone left I got to reflect on the day. As I stood in the doorway starting at the hours of clean up I had in front of me I thought to myself "I cannot top this next year!" I was exhausted, worn out, and emotionally drained.
Was it worth seeing my kids faces holding the animals and blowing out the candles, of course it was. But, would they have been any less happy if it was a birthday party with their family and a friend. Again, I was happy and don't think I missed out on anything when it was my birthday.
I guess, I was doing the parties more as a selfish reason. I think I was trying to out do not only the last party, but other peoples parties. I wanted it to be bigger and better and to have that feeling of people saying wow!
I really reevaluated after the "Zoo party". Every year from then on out, my kids would get money for their birthday. They would pick either myself or my husband to go shopping with. They get to pick out whatever they want at the store. We still have a birthday dinner and we will have birthday cake. We even have some family over to share in the birthday excitement. And you know what, they still have an awesome day!
Melanie~
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