Thursday, January 10, 2013

Resolution

It's January. The time of New Year's Resolutions and promises.

Will it be the year to lose weight?
Clean out the junk?
Put yourself on the list of priorities?

I don't do it. I don't make resolutions.
Never had, never intended to.

Sure, there's a list of things running in my head that I need to improve upon, which I'm sure is no different than most people. However the first of January does not seem like the natural starting point, even with the excuse of having given birth nearly 4 weeks ago. I will admit, starting  the new year out like that is not my style.

However this year is different.

I have one,
Only one resolution.

Call it peer, I mean partner pressure, but I have succumbed and made one resolution this year.

I guess, it's actually more of a compromise, but given the time of year, I think the term: resolution may work.

This year: I will not be planning Maeve's birthday party. I have given up the manic planning and fully intend to hand over the reigns to her third birthday party to Bryan.

GASP!

Okay, I do realize to the average person this may not seem like a big deal.
I gave birth less than a month ago to my third child.
I have a newborn, a nearly three year old, and a four year old, it's January,and the last thing I should be doing is obsessing over crepe paper lanterns, yarn hair braids, cupcakes, and finding the right shades of purple and yellow while the soundtrack from Tangled plays in the background.

For normal people, party planning should not be all consuming.

However, I am not a normal person when it comes to parties.

I have dove in, head first, into planning these fun little fetes for my girls with dress ups, and games, and desserts galore. I have searched blogs, and party stores, pinned ideas on Pinterest, and scoured for recipes, all to create these fun filled days.

But not this party.

I just cannot do it, and I feel guilty.

Sure, she'll only be three, but for three, Moira got the Wizard of Oz. She got a dress, ruby sneakers, and a faux yellow chalked brick road. She got rainbow cupcakes, pin the heart on the scarecrow, and fruit loop necklaces.

She had hours of my life dedicated to the intricate details of goodie baskets and pinatas.

She had a great party.

And Maeve, well, who knows how this will turn out?

It will be fine.

Yes, it will be a good party.

We'll be surrounded by friends and family who love my kids. We'll eat, drink and be merry.
Bryan's at the helm, so at least we know the food & desserts will be kick ass. My good friend Lynsay has graciously taken over all crafting duties, so Maeve and her guests won't miss out on the homemade touches, and of course, Ashley will be there photographing the event.

Maeve will have a great day and enjoy every second in the limelight.

I know rationally I am not emotionally scarring  Maeve because her Tangled party won't be up to "my standard", but I can't help but feel a bit of guilt that I'm not in the driver's seat this year.

Until then, I'm keeping my resolution and not going crazy for her birthday...this year.

However, during late night nursing sessions, I have already started brainstorming ideas for her fourth birthday.

.




Wednesday, January 2, 2013

So Long '12

Happy New Year!

With the addition of dear Margo, time seems to be running away from me. The first few weeks (months) with a newborn really leave little if any free time for things like showering, cooking, and blogging. Thus, my yearly photo recap which I would have like to have accomplished prior to the New Year, has been instead left for today, January 1. Please reserve criticism for this entry, as the majority was written one handed, with sleeping baby resting quietly in the other.

Let me share, my favorite photos of 2012. 

January
Our Sunshiny Maevie Baby's 2nd Birthday Party


February
Excitement as we head to see the Laurie Berkner Band








March
An unseasonably warm day the end of the montt brought out the Ice Cream Man

April
Moira's Fourth Birthday Pirate Parrrrty


 
May
Fun at the local street fair


June
We let our little surprise out of the bag!

July
Fourth of July Bry & Maeve with the fireworks

August
The four of us at Jeanna & Ian's wedding


September
Sunset Beach, Cape May NJ
A most perfect end to a wonderful beach day.

October
Boo at the Zoo
The morning before the mass distruction of Superstorm Sandy damaged so much of NJ. 

 
November
Fun with the fall leaves

December
A most perfect Christmas present!
All three of our gals underneath the tree.

We truly have been blessed with a fabulous year filled with lots of fun and family.
Here's hoping 2013 only continues on the same path!