T Minus 7 Days

Will is turning a year old on Thurday. Yeah. I know. I can't believe it, either.

I feel a sense of denial, surreality, excitement, and nostalgia about the whole thing. I keep remembering this time last year, when I was feeling pretty much the same things, just in a different way. I was definitely in denial, as it will never seem real that a baby can possibly be coming out of your body until it does. It was definitely surreal, as I couldn't believe that I was about to have my very own RLB. Excitement goes without saying. There was some nostalgia, a tiny twinge as I thought about changing from a duo to a trio, as I realized that it was the last time for just M and me to be a twosome, together.

So, now, present day. I can't believe my baby is turning one. I am excited to experience all of the wonderful growth and changes the next year will bring. But I am also finding myself unexpectedly very sad and prone to weeping over silly things.

I have also been doing a good job not getting all crazy stressed about his party. But as the days dwindle, I am finding myself starting to get worked up. I am nervous that he won't nap that morning (he is transitioning from two to one nap and each day is a guessing game) and be tired and grumpy by showtime. I am a little edgy that our families will all be together for the first time since our wedding, six plus years ago (and there is a reason we don't get them together very often). I am fussy about the house, because it's just not clean enough for guests and I don't know when I am going to find the time to clean it. Also, since my parents and their three dogs are going to be staying with us for a few days, it honestly feels like a waste of time to spend too much time cleaning it. No one else should be at our house but them and perhaps my in-laws.

The party is at a nearby park. It's supposed to be 80 degrees and sunny that day. That's good news, except the park will be really crowded and parking is limited, so I find myself nervous about people finding enough room to park. I worry that there won't be enough food, or too much food, or that people won't like the food! LOL!

I am trying to keep a calm head about all of this. I know it's just a kid's birthday party and that he won't remember anything and no one else will care. But I will remember it and I care, so I do want it to be a nice party.

I will gladly accept any and all party advice as we head into the last seven days of planning and stressing!