Celebrate with hiccups.

On Sunday I was able to spend a moment during the chaos of a birthday party to reflect in what a difference 2 years makes.

The answer is massive. Another mum and I compared our daughters to the children that they were 2 years ago and aside from the fact that physically both children are bigger the changes meant that they were barely recognisable from their former selves. It was the increases in confidence that really wowed us. Both had transformed from very quiet, shy and withdrawn children in to loud and confident girls who were into everything. Present opening was another comparison for me - 2 years ago when she had her first birthday with us (she turned 2 years old) we had to encourage her to open her presents and this year she was straight in there. 2 years ago smiles were not common, this year she never stopped smiling.

I have to say that the celebration was not without its hiccups. Mainly that the bouncy castle did not appear and we had a make scramble to replace it. Luckily a local firm came to our rescue (happy to recommend to anyone if a bouncy castle is needed) who saved the day and saved many tears. I am glad that had prepared a number of games including 2 rounds of pass the parcel and a game of musical bumps with a further 2 prizes on stand-by. We needed them whilst the bouncy castle took shape.

What I did realise is that I am getting better at these things - there was enough food but less waste than the last time I organised a child's birthday party. What does frustrate me is that number of parents that do not respond to invitations - we sent 12 to children that she goes to preschool with - with 1 declining we had 4 attend. 7 with no response. Luckily the additional of family and friends meant that there were plenty of people there to celebrate and she never mentioned that she was missing anyone important.

I do also want to take a moment to thank some of the people that help to make life a lot easier. My parents, My sister. Good friends. All are worth their weight in gold. From the little things like helping to set up and tidy away the birthday party to the lovely gifts to baby-sitting to being on the end of the phone when I need someone to talk to. I am extremely lucky and I must not forget it..