Birthday Party
My daughter's 2nd birthday party really meant a lot to her. She still babbles about her birthday party to this day. She loved having all of her friends and loved ones there singing "Happy Birthday to you!" She broke out in a big smile when she heard her name sung. She asked her guests to sing the birthday song over and over to her.
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Baby's First Birthday
A baby's first birthday is fun for parents, but babies don't understand what's going on at this age. As long as it's fun, there's no need to go all out and rent the circus. We were so excited because our kid was born on Halloween. I wore myself out on her first birthday party, inviting our guests to Fairyland on their busiest weekend. It was great to see our friends again, but we hardly got to spend time with them as everyone went their own separate ways to explore the park.
The Second Birthday
This year on my daughter's 2nd birthday party, I decided I would keep it simple. The most important ritual of the birthday party is lighting candles on the birthday cake, singing the birthday song and blowing out the candles. Everything else is just icing on the cake. I decided I would just have food, music and keep it an intimate gathering of friends and family. A welcome help is my mom, who insisted on bringing food.
What about games and activities? No need for 2-year-olds. Just let them play however they like. Get some toys out and set them loose.
My little girl was happy enough to play hostess, walking around talking to everyone. She had gone to a few birthday parties over the past year, and now that we were celebrating hers, it seems she understood in her own way what it means. She loved the attention from kids and grown-ups alike.
As for me, I had a better time this year than last. After all the preparations were made and the party was underway, I actually got to kick back and enjoy hanging out with friends and family.
