An Un-party Birthday

unaveragejane

I just realized I have less than a month to figure out what to do for DS1's 2nd birthday. (Cue tears about babies growing up too fast.) Anyway, I'm thinking seriously about not doing a party. Our families aren't really big on them anyway beyond big milestone birthdays, so I don't think it will hurt anyone's feelings. Plus it's on Father's Day weekend, so the timing is hard. I just don't want DS1 to look back and think, "Oh, I didn't have a party that year b/c Mom was too fat and lazy pregnant with DS2." I still want to make it a special day for my little guy. I'm thinking about taking him to the Botanical Gardens. They have a children's garden with lots of water features to play in and a huge butterfly sanctuary. I figure we could take a picnic and make a morning of it, then come home, nap, eat cake, and open presents. What do you think? Will I regret not doing something bigger?

Oh, and for all you celebrating un-birthdays today:

TJ1979

OMG @unaveragejane How very sweet of you to remember my unbirthday!

I think that's a really great idea.  I think doing something is better than a party any day.  Just make sure you get a birthday boy t shirt or hat or something, and take some pics to throw in the baby book.  And boom, successful birthday.

Also, it's blowing my mind that he's almost 2.  Because that means that E is also almost 2.  Which is like... unbelievable.

CLLDLL

In our family birthdays are all about the tradition, whatever that may be.  When I was growing up we didn't do a big party.  Family dinner, cake, presents, maybe a slumber party with a couple friends when I got older.  I'm perfectly happy with my childhood experience.

We try to follow the same with our boys, although family dinner is more like mass chaos because it usually include DH's family (around 10 people) and my family (around 10 people).  We've started doing it at a restaurant just to avoid having to cook and clean up after that many people.

I think your plan is perfect.  Special time for you and DS1, cake, presents that's all he's really gonna want now and to look back on in the future.  It will get more challenging when your DS2 is here.  Then you'll have to worry about what they perceive as "fair".  Oh boy, that's been a nightmare for us so far. "He got more presents than me.  I don't care that mine cost more.  He got more.  His cake was yummier."  Yikes. 

Mandmeesh

That sounds like a great day. I second the birthday boy hat or shirt.

bumpuser9353653

I think your plan sounds great! I agree, just get some pics to remember the day and all will be well :-)

DD1 will be 2 in just three weeks and we're just having close friends and family over to the house for bbq and cake. I guess that could be considered a party, but we're not going all out on invitations or decorations out anything.

km_md

I think that sounds like a wonderful way to celebrate his birthday and I think that you will be more likely to enjoy yourself doing something like that than if you had to host a party. 

stoneycakes

We brought DS to the aquarium for his first birthday.  I don't regret it for a second.  We had a lot of fun that day.  I wanted to do something similar this year, but our family is bugging us to have a party.  It's irritating me, actually, but I think we're going to give into the pressure.

tjkdlhb

We went to the cabin with family that lives nearby for DD's birthday.  It's the same thing we did last year.  Last year I was just back to work and flying away for courses each weekend, so planning an elaborate party was out.  This year I thought *maybe* I'd be at the hospital... so no party.  DD seemed happy, and honestly, I don't think she understands enough about birthdays yet.

Next year, I won't be able to get away with it!

Into+the+Kitty

stoneycakes said:

We brought DS to the aquarium for his first birthday.  I don't regret it for a second.  We had a lot of fun that day.  I wanted to do something similar this year, but our family is bugging us to have a party.  It's irritating me, actually, but I think we're going to give into the pressure.

Omg I totally remember when you made that decision... How is it almost anther birthday later?!

TJ1979

tjkdlhb said:

We went to the cabin with family that lives nearby for DD's birthday.  It's the same thing we did last year.  Last year I was just back to work and flying away for courses each weekend, so planning an elaborate party was out.  This year I thought *maybe* I'd be at the hospital... so no party.  DD seemed happy, and honestly, I don't think she understands enough about birthdays yet.

Next year, I won't be able to get away with it!

OMG TJ I didn't realize she turned 2 already!  They could have shared a bday!

tjkdlhb

TJ1979 said:

tjkdlhb said:

We went to the cabin with family that lives nearby for DD's birthday.  It's the same thing we did last year.  Last year I was just back to work and flying away for courses each weekend, so planning an elaborate party was out.  This year I thought *maybe* I'd be at the hospital... so no party.  DD seemed happy, and honestly, I don't think she understands enough about birthdays yet.

Next year, I won't be able to get away with it!

OMG TJ I didn't realize she turned 2 already!  They could have shared a bday!

I'm thinking now that this one will be here on DD's due date - May 25... since they're gonna start inducing me on May 22... it took 3 days last time for the induction to work.

TJ1979

Oh jeez!  GL, I hope it's easier than that.

unaveragejane

Yay! I feel much better about this now. I have a friend who goes all out for her son's birthdays, and I tend to compare myself with her too often.

I also love the idea of the birthday shirt. I had one made last year but hadn't even thought about it for this year. Off to Etsy for some ideas!

tjkdlhb

Mapleme said:

TJ1979 said:

tjkdlhb said:

We went to the cabin with family that lives nearby for DD's birthday.  It's the same thing we did last year.  Last year I was just back to work and flying away for courses each weekend, so planning an elaborate party was out.  This year I thought *maybe* I'd be at the hospital... so no party.  DD seemed happy, and honestly, I don't think she understands enough about birthdays yet.

Next year, I won't be able to get away with it!

OMG TJ I didn't realize she turned 2 already!  They could have shared a bday!

I'm thinking now that this one will be here on DD's due date - May 25... since they're gonna start inducing me on May 22... it took 3 days last time for the induction to work.

Do not say such things. Everything will be full of unicorn farts.

It was before my EDD, because my BP went really wonky... They started the induction at 37w 4d and I had her at 38 weeks... I'm hoping that an induction started after my due date would have a better shot of being quicker!