How I Became “That Mom” :: Birthday Parties

0

How I Became "That Mom" :: Birthday Parties | Columbia SC Moms BlogAs I was planning my four year old’s birthday party this year, I came to a realization. I have become “that mom.” The mom who throws the “crazy” birthday parties. No, I don’t mean THAT mom who rents a petting zoo, an inflatable park, and a band. I’m not that crazy. Sheesh! But, I am that mom who does the “Pinterest perfect” parties. 

I guess it all started when my oldest turned five. We had lived in Columbia for a year and this was his first birthday party in our new home (we didn’t have a party for his fourth birthday because we just moved, had no family nearby and hadn’t made any friends yet). Since it was his first party with our new friends, I wanted it to be special for him. He decided on a Star Wars themed party and since Halloween was on a Saturday that year (just a week before his birthday), I decided to have his party on Halloween and make it a costume birthday party. 

What did I do next? I did what any birthday party throwing mom does best; I went to Pinterest. Pinterest became my best friend for party planning. At first I thought I’d do something small with a few Star Wars details. But, the more I perused Pinterest, the more involved the party became. Before I knew it, I had every aspect of the party dripping with the Star Wars theme. Napkins, food, decorations, games, costumes, party favors. And this wasn’t just a “run to Walmart and buy whatever’s in the party aisle.” Nope. This was “I have to make this all myself.” And I did. 

DSCN8413
DSCN8390
DSCN8425
DSCN8399
DSCN8412
crop
DSCN8396
DSCN8392
DSCN8431

The following year, my youngest turned three. It was the first time we threw him a birthday party, so I wanted to make it was a big deal. And, yes, you read that right. He didn’t have a first birthday party or even a second birthday party. For shame, I know. But, at the sake of sparing you long stories on why those didn’t happen, we’ll just say they didn’t. So when he turned three, my mommy guilt kicked into gear and I became determined to throw him the best party I could. His was a Wild Kratts party. I took that theme and ran with it! This one was even more involved than the Star Wars party. I mean, I made food that looked like animals! 

DSCN9707
DSCN9692
DSCN9686
DSCN9705
DSCN9727
DSCN9751
DSCN9716
DSCN9682
DSCN9690

Since then, their parties have continued this way. And I’ve started to get a little more adventurous with the cake each time. They’ve become more and more elaborate.

There was the American Ninja Warrior party for my oldest, that included an obsticle course in our backyard and one on the cake. Plus, personalized candy bar wrappers and each “ninja” got to make their own headband to wear and bring home. 

DSC
DSCN9765
DSCN9785
DSCN9775
DSCN9779
DSCN9774
DSCN9776
DSCN9767
DSCN9772

Then was the most recent one, my youngest’s fourth birthday party. This one had a pirate and mermaid theme and was complete with a real pirate and mermaid. There was also treasure map pizza, gang plank jell-o, costume pieces for all the pirates and mermaids to wear, a photo op spot, a treasure hunt, and more. I think this one is my most elaborate yet. So elaborate that I need two photo collages to show it all! Hmmm … too much?

DSCN1418
DSCN1411
DSCN1405
DSCN1413
DSCN1400
DSCN1428
DSCN1423
DSCN1427
DSCN1403
DSCN1461
DSCN1443
DSCN1458

So, yeah … I’m Leah and I’m addicted to throwing Pinterest perfect birthday parties. But you know what? It’s FUN! And I love it. More importantly, my boys love it. That’s why I do it in the first place; it’s all for them. I want them to feel special and really enjoy their birthday to the fullest. So maybe I go a little overboard, but it’s all worth it. 

Next up, a Princess Bride themed party for my (almost) seven year old. The possibilities are endless…

Do you throw elaborate parties or stick to the basics? 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here