Daily Musings From the Mommy Cave

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Why in the world does it cost so much for a birthday!

I just don't understand why it costs so much to have a birthday party and do birthday things for your kid these days! I wanted to put Kyan's picture and an announcement in the newspaper about him turning 2. We always did it for our birthdays as kids and I really like doing it for him. I go to get the write up done and pick a picture only to find out that it's $35 just to put it in. If I do a "Happy Ad" it's $25-35 depending on 1/4 of an inch with the picture and wording. Geez! Birthday cakes now cost upwards of $30 for a regular size cake. I wanted to do a design and the lady told me that they do "kits" like plastic scenes and things but it's $10 extra. What the hell people! It's a cake for a kid who isn't going to remember it unless he sees the pictures but still deserves a nice damn day!

I'm also torn about the gift. I wanted to buy him something useful, practical, and will last for a few years. I want to get him a desk or a little play table so he can sit and eat his snacks and things or color while he watches his shows and I'm busy. I know we're running out of room but if I could reorganize the toys in the living room and the books then I know it's doable. I also saw a very nice playhouse type toy (like a doll house, okay? There! I said it!) because he loves playing with the huge little people house that my Mom has that used to be us girls'. It's very unisex and it has lots of features that he'd love but I'm afraid that everyone will see it as girly eventhough I'm totally okay with it.

My big plan is to go out and have dinner with him on Friday, his actual birthday, and give him his card and his gift that evening so that Jared can be there. He loves when waiters sing to people when we're out to eat so I thought it'd be nice to do this. As embarassing as it will be and ridiculous to Jared, I'm doing it. Then we'll do stuff all weekend and then the next Saturday is his party. Should be fun.

I just hate all this prep work. I'm ordering the cake on Friday, and I'm still undecided about the food. We have 3 people coming from hubby's side of the family. Yes, Three.. three out of 12? His Mom, Dad and his girlfriend are the only ones showing. Now these are the same people who bitch cause they don't see him, who knew since June when the date was, got their invites 6 weeks before the party date mind you! I follow Emily Post on that one! But no.. can't come. Now his Paternal Grandparents I can understand, they haven't been feeling well (the Grandmother atleast) but his cousin and her husband and 2 kids are going to the beach, his sister is going with them to baby sit, his brother doesn't want to come home and I understand the reasons and circumstances, his Nana has to baby sit, so what is the priority? Your grandson or your social life? Anyways, I got pizza last time feeling as if I should feed everyone but I hate getting stuck with lots of left overs when people show up and don't eat or don't show up. So it may be just cake, drinks and chips if I get too overwhelmed and frustrated.

Which brings me to my next point. RSVPING!!!!! If you are invited, and it says RSVP and to a person and phone number, it's probably a good idea to do so. Invitations sent out around 3 weeks ago, party is in 2 1/2 weeks, nobody but my parents and sister have RSVP'ed and dh's Dad who we knew was coming with his girlfriend and now dh's Mom. Which really is more than I expected from that side of the family becuase they never RSVP for anything. We throw them a family only party for Christmas since we can't come down there and nobody RSVP's. I have to call a few days before to make sure I have ample food and drink. Our wedding reception thing, not a call not a well wish not a "We'll be there". Kyan's 1st Birthday, surprised they all came. Ugh. Isn't anyone ettiquette friendly?!!?!

So, it's 8 days until he turns 2 now. My baby. My little man. Already I'm ready to throw in the towel.

posted by SNM at 1:57 AM -

2 Comments:

At August 7, 2008 at 8:15 PM, Anonymous said…

Yeah...I spent about $250 to have lil pill's party in a garage. WTF? Seriously. It's gotten way, way out of hand.
At August 15, 2008 at 8:40 PM, Anonymous said…

Why not make the cake yourself? And we got a trike for our's 2nd birthday for like $20 at Walmart. That will last for years! And is useful and practical!