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May 10, 2005

Competitive Mothering

Alesia, launching motherhood week

Since we had so much fun with Shame Week, we at the lit chicks have decided to do a few more Theme Weeks. First up, for obvious reasons, is Motherhood week. All three of us are moms, with kids ranging in age from barely older than toddler (Lani) to college-bound (Michelle), and thought we’d take a moment to chat about the wonder and awfulness that is mothering.

Competitive Mothering: The Extreme Sport
Okay, so darling son turned 8 yesterday (which is nearly impossible, since he was just born, but these things happen), and we turned his birthday into a 2-day event. First, we had a birthday party on Sunday for him at the bowling alley (trust me: HE wanted this – there is no part of the phrase RENTED SHOES that does not make me shudder) and hosted 15 or so kids all in the four-feet-tall and under variety.

I’m still TWITCHING.

Then, yesterday, as if there weren’t enough excitement, JUNK FOOD, and sugar at the party Sunday, I threw a pizza party for his entire second grade class. Did I mention I stayed up TILL MIDNIGHT the night before baking cupcakes?

It was all fun, but it made me wonder: when did birthday celebrations turn into such a huge ordeal? When did "here’s a cake I made, invite a few neighbor kids over" fall out of favor?? When I practiced law in Pensacola, there was one attorney who wasn’t happy unless he spent THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS on his daughter’s birthday. Seriously. Pony rides, clowns, actual carnival rides, even a band to play music. The whole thing catered, of course.

The kid was five.

It’s INSANE. It’s freaking nuts. What is a kid like that going to want when she turns 18?? Her own SMALL COUNTRY???

Bowling parties suddenly sound much more rational.

Hugs,
Alesia, whose now-8 year old son reacted to all the excitement by yarking all over the bathroom last night. Sigh.
ps: for a pic of me with the Norwegian Basketball Team, go here

Posted by Alesia at 1:42 PM