Birthdays

So the Girl had her first birthday in March and now today is the Eldest's big day. Except it's not really a "big" day. He's 12 and we're not having a big birthday party. We're not having a little one either. Well, if you count having cake and ice cream as a family then I guess we are having a little one. Teeny.

My husband said it's time to stop the birthday parties. That was hard for me as I've always gone above and beyond making them extra special and unique. But, alas, I've been falling out of love with them for the past several years. All the work and stress was worth it when they were little and engaged and full of pure joy. But as kids get older they understandably don't want to be treated "like babies" and their idea for a fun party consists of them and their friends sitting around playing video games. Um, not fun for me. Hence the falling out of love with children's birthday parties. Which is quite sad I must say, seeing as I have one more child now that is sure to want huge, fun parties. I think it's a good thing she is a girl and I will be more enticed by the options I now have. Maybe I could get excited over that.

I still have my Middle guy to appease. He is going to be 10 this summer and is still into themes. My husband will probably say forget it, and frankly so may I, but maybe I can sneak in one more. Perhaps my lack of enthusiasm stems from the fact that I'm just getting older and not enjoying my own birthdays as much anymore. I feel selfish to want the day to be all about me, but I do! If only I could shout out orders: Clean the house! Feed me! Make me a cake! Buy me special presents! Hmm, sounds like the ungrateful one turns out to be ME. ;P

Now it's time to pack up the children and head, begrudgingly, out to the Eldest's choice for his birthday dinner: McDonald's. :(  I can not groan enough as I type this. Can you feel my pain?! I thought heading out to dinner would be a treat for all of us. Turns out that Mom and Dad are going to suck it up and smile. Happy Birthday!