Forest of the Plains

So, I'm researching themes for Jacob's First Birthday. I came across lots of sites with good advice on party length, numbers of guests, and how to minimize your child being over-stimulated. Then I found a site that was totally honest. I wish I could find it again so I could give them credit. Essentially it said:

Your one-year-old will not enjoy the party and will not even remember the party. The party is for Mom's benefit. Therefore, Mom should live it up and have a great time. Plan the party so that Mom will not have to worry about food or coordinating games for older children. Mom should treat herself because she is a Mom. Also, Mom should spend lots of money on decorations and party favors (preferably from said website) because they're cute.

That's right! I'm a mom and I deserve a party that meets my needs. I should ignore the needs of everyone around me and live vicariously through my one-year-old because chances are I didn't have an adequate first birthday party myself.

Hopefully Jacob won't be scared for life when he learns that his first birthday party was not at the zoo and was not hosted by a dozen clowns, but rather it was in his own boring house...

As someone who has had year-round allergies for as long as I can remember, I have gone through quite a few Kleenexes. Kleenex to wipe my watery eyes. Kleenex to blow my nose. Kleenex to cover my mouth while hacking up more gunk from my lungs. Kleenex to wipe off whatever got in the way of a sneeze. I know not to mess around with the thin store brand stuff, I need good quality tissue!

Each morning as I got dressed, I would put a couple Kleenex in each pocket because I knew they'd be needed later. There are travel packs of Kleenex in my purse, and boxes of Kleenex in my car and almost every room of the house. (I don't believe there are any in the dining room.) When arranging a room, I think in terms of where to put the box of Kleenex before I consider anything else!

There have been several times recently when I have reached into my pocket for a Kleenex to use on Jacob and haven't found one. I just realized that my allergies must be getting better because I no longer remember to have a Kleenex in my pocket at all times. Fifteen years of allergy shots may have paid off!

But, there is no time to celebrate because it looks like Jacob has allergies, too. Now I have to carry around Kleenex to clean up Jacob's runny nose and productive sneezes. The fun just never ends!