Featherswords, Temperment, Differences and Happiness

So many thoughts aren’t swirling in my head, they are bouncing like Bartleby the kitty, in fine Halloween kitty posture. Yesterday was both an amazing and wacky day. When I got up this morning and was puttering around, the first thing I thought about was the difference between parties of yesteryear and parties of today.

First, they are smaller. (not 100 people like Newd Years 1998, but 10)
Second, there are kids present, not being conceived.
Third, it takes only an hour or so to clean up–instead of six.
Fourth, no hangovers or ‘why did I say THAT’ moments.
Fifth, No unclaimed puddles of barf in mysterious locations, (ok–that hasn’t happened since the 80’s but it did happen).Instead of vomitus, small bits of nemo birthday cake dropped from the laps of wee ones.
Sixth, no unknown houseguests the next day-either in your own bed or on the floor, couch or bathroom. (Hi, I’m Lord Morlock, what’s for breakfast?)
Seventh, no friends fighting the next day, just exhausted but smiling parents of the birthday girl and slightly scandalized cats.
Eighth, All cats can come out during the party and actually do (even skittish Mr. Teatime and Bartleby took up residence on Andrew and Miska–I had to check their bags when they left)
Ninth, Bedtime for the hosts is 11pm, not 11 am the next day.
and finally,pleased enough to do that again.

Now that isn’t to say it was perfect, but it was great. One of the things I’m learning as a parent is that perfection, as it really always was, is especially now beyond my reach. James and I weren’t ready for the bar b que aspect–neither of us having done that in years and years–seriously like 15 years for me and 10 for him. He bought a grill on Friday and we didn’t have time to get the food until Sunday, so no marinating. In retrospect I probably should have waited until next week to have Carrie do my hair
                  Tangent:oh but it does look good and it is SO easy to take care of–I tested that by not doing anything to it this morning after my shower. I lost a lot of hair, but it’s worth it, finally gave up my hair type denial’ and quit trying to have hair like Betty Page or Bernadette Peters.

Resume: but I got my weekends mixed up and scheduled that for this week and I didn’t want to cancel again (last time I tried, James had to work or something). Anyway, I was mostly focused on having more than just a couple of folks in our house at once and the Bean understanding what a birthday was and getting some good cake and playtime. And we really wanted Chad to be able to hang out, so there needed to be backyard/porch activity to keep him out of allergy way (meow meow). So even though we weren’t terribly organized about it we have understanding friends who don’t require perfection of us.
And the next cookout, hopefully in late May, will be easier AND we’ll have a fence so the kidlets won’t require constant supervision. Yesterday was rainy and a little cold, but the back porch did it’s job and there was almost enough seating for everyone in the house. And Chad did an amazing job with the myriad meaty goodness. I even tried to eat some of the chicken a little later and was not swarmed, but attacked by four very demanding cats. Bartleby climbed INTO the bowl.

I’m always a bit concerned when Ripley and the Bean get together too. I care so much about all the Savages. The Bean is older, very assertive and bigger than Miss Ripley. And The Bean is very much into the terrible two time of stealing toys and tantrums. I found this and it describes her quite well right now (except for the broccoli, she loves broccoli)

TODDLER PROPERTY LAWS

1. If I like it, it’s mine.
2. If it’s in my hand, it’s mine.
3. If I can take it from you, it’s mine.
4. If I had it a little while ago, it’s mine.
5. If it’s mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way.
6. If I’m doing or building something, all of the pieces are mine.
7. if it looks like mine, it’s mine.
8. If I think it’s mine, it’s mine.
9. If it’s broken, it’s yours.
10. If it’s broccoli, it’s yours.

Ripley is already more into other kids and sharing than the Bean, but there you go, kids develop differently and the Bean has her own areas of strength. De Ripper did get ticked off at the Bean at one point. James and I were actually relieved that she stood up for herself. She’s such a wee delicate sweetie, and The Bean (while also quite a sweetie) tends to be a bit more boisterous so I get worried that the Bean will bowl her over. I can relax a tiny bit now.

It was just such a nice party all and all. The Savages and Andrew and Miska I’m so comfortable with I feel like I can almost fully relax. Almost–I’m always a bit of a worry wart (ok, more than a bit, but I’m learning). And I just adore Boa. I’m going to miss him and always wish I’d had more time to know him. And Rachel is someone I felt immediately comfortable around and she was good enough to brave a toddler party, not having known me long or being with child herself. Now that’s some kindness. And everyone made the drive, for which I’m always grateful. The presents were really wonderful and varied. Books, princess hair things, Blues Clue’s games, and a feathersword (which she is madly running about with today) and some stuff from mommy and daddy too. Beautiful clothes from her Grandmama and baby muppets that she’s dancing to The Nightmare before Christmas right now. The Bean had a requisite amount of toddler meltdowns and as James and I determined later behaved exactly as a smart, wacky, beautiful two year old would.

Now, I’m being tickled with a feathersword, so I’ll have to update more later.