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Sunday, July 15, 2012

Before I Post My Party Pics

Just something I feel I need to get out of the way before I start throwing party photos all over the place...

After my post on birthday party anxiety  was hit with so much controversy, I actually felt even more stressed.  The new voices in my head told me that I was an awful parent for wanting to have a party and I should just bag the whole thing all together.

The response to that post (which you probably noticed, I kind of ignored until now), was actually a really good heart-check for me.  While I was only about half sincere in what I wrote, I do think that part of being real is admitting that sometimes our motivation for doing things isn't 100% pure. BUT, that doesn't mean that there aren't good and right reasons for doing those things too.  Let me explain.

Out of all the comments and emails I got about Sam's birthday party, the advice of a close blog friend with a recently-turned one year old - If you want to throw a big shebang, DO IT! If you don't want to, don't!

Baby Sam will love you regardless - rang the truest...

When I thought long and hard about my motivation behind throwing an extravagant birthday party, I realized that it did have some to do with having cool pictures that people would be impressed with on my blog; but, it also had a lot to do with the fact that I like entertaining.  I like party planning.  I like thinking up themes and decorations and watching it all come together.  It is something that really makes me happy - the way photography, or singing, or painting might be for some one else.  I also like celebrating.  ANY reason is a good enough one to celebrate in my book, but my baby turning ONE and me surviving all the challenges and joys of the first year... That's a DARN GOOD reason to celebrate.

So celebrate we did!

And, even if I lost a blog follower or two, I'm glad I actually went through with my plans for the party.  I had a blast planning and getting ready for it; and, I think any time my son gets to see his Mommy "coming alive" it is a good thing.  Plus, even though he probably won't remember a single thing about it, we have wonderful pictures to show him one day.  And to share with the blog world tomorrow. ;)

All that said, if I learned one thing during my first year of motherhood, it is to ASK FOR HELP.  This party (although I, well really Pinterest, came up with most of the ideas) was a labor of love from SO many people.  I had a lot of help; and, largely because of that,I can honestly say that I was never stressed out about it.  I'm excited to share it tomorrow because 1.) it's cute and 2.) I think it is proof that you can have a cute party that is still relatively simple, inexpensive, and craft-free.  I'll try to share some details on how we accomplished that in my photos.

Until tomorrow!


P.S. I realize I've now made it sound like this was the most extravagant/greatest party ever.  It really isn't anything that special. Just be prepared.

8 comments:

  1. Elizabeth! I just LOVE your blog!! Not to sound creepy or anything, but I feel like I know you with all of these posts! I cannot wait to see pictures from Sam's party :)

    But seriously, I found your blog while I was looking up teacher organization things on Pinterest (I teach Algebra 2 in Tennessee) and then spent hours looking through old posts, getting to know you and your fam...again, that sounds creepy, but I promise it's not :)

    Anyways, thanks for being you! and blogging about it!

    Abby @ Just Abby (http://abbyrutherford.blogspot.com/)

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  2. WOW, really lost followers about how you celebrated your child's birthday! It is overwhelming to have your baby turn 1. It is overwhelming to decide who to ask and how much to do. As long as you enjoyed your time as did your little boy that is all that matters!

    It sounds like the party was a fun time for you both! I look forward to the pictures!

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  3. I can't wait to see the pictures. I'm glad you went with what made you happy. A happy mom means a happy baby.

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  4. Cannot wait to see and read all about it!

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  5. I hope my comment wasnt one of those that contributed to your party planning anxiety! Can't wait to see the party pics tomorrow! :)

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  6. Hi! I too stumbled across your blog while working on classroom stuff (I'm also an English teacher)... My son is 6 months old this month, and hubs and I have already started talking 1st birthday party. We had a rocky start (2 months preemie + 4 months in the Nicu), so I agree that the first birthday is as much a celebration that we've made it as moms. I completely understand the pressure from facebook and pinterest (to the point where I spent a few hours yesterday trying to figure out where you got Sam's outfit for his pictures), and I can't wait to see your pics of the party so I can spend the next 6 months with party anxiety of my own :)

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  7. I can't wait to see pictures! I'm so glad that you did what felt right for you - and boo hiss to those silly commenters who were raining on your parade. This is your life, your blog, and Sam is your son. You know what's best for your family :)

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  8. You really lost blog readers because of something you wrote? I just don't get people sometimes. Jealous much? I can't wait to see pics!

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Your comments are what makes this thing fun! I LOVE to hear from you and do my best to respond to everyone! THANK YOU!


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