Planning a Birthday

Observation:  Some traditions are great... when you only have one child.  They become harder to keep up with when you add more children to the mix.

"Let them eat cake."

It is a permanent tradition that I make Lulu's birthday cakes... and they always relate to a theme.  She is adament that I continue to make her cake every-single-year.  I have promised her that it would NOT hurt my feelings if she wanted a store-bought cake.  She failed to take me up on that offer. 

This year, we will celebrate Bro's birthday with just us... mom, dad, sister... and probably our Fairy Grandparents.  That's it!  And I am running out of steam for making the cake.  I still need to buy the pan, make the cake, and decorate the cake... before Thur at 5:00 p.m.

On the other hand, I don't want it to seem like I would do something for one child that I wouldn't do for the other.  {{sigh}}

Monday night I asked Dear Husband, "How important is it that I make Bro's cake?"

"Not important at all!"

"Really?"

"Really."

"You know... because I don't want it to seem like I do for one child and then not for the other."

"Honey - really - it's fine!"

 I mean, I could just make him a regular cake... but that's not near as fun as a Cars cake or a train cake. 

So, today I ordered a store-bought cake... and updated my facebook status with...

Napmom... ... um... after 11 years and countless hours of making birthday cakes for child #1... child #2 will get a store-bought cake this year. I am sure that I will cry myself to sleep with guilt later tonight.

Somebody responded with, "God help child #3."  {{Thanks for the words of encouragement.}}

Two seconds later Fairy Grandmother called to insist that she make Bro's cake.  How sweet!  How wonderful!  He's gonna be sooooooooo happy!  And... I feel so much less stressed now.  Can't wait to see what it is!


Toys Glorious Toys!

I researched the perfect toys for a toddler (for Bro's birthday).  Since he goes to daycare, we don't really need/use that many toys, but it is nice to add fun stuff to the arsenal.  However, having a birthday that immediately follows Christmas is... kinda... like... the pits... as I am discovering. 

I had decided to create a special busy box for Bro, full of toys to play with while mommy is making dinner.  You can read all about busy boxes online - I didn't come up with this idea - I stole it from others.

My list for his busy box included:  a magna doodle, stickers, paper, crayons, and find & seek books. 

However, Dear Husband and I returned from ToysRUs with: Hot Wheels cars, a Hot Wheels track kit, and Army men.

Um......... what happened to my busy box?

Have your traditions changed as you have added more children to your family?  Be honest... but please only respond if your answer is "yes"!  Thanks!