Metal Meredith

Or Vivienne’s First Birthday Party

This weekend was Vivienne’s first birthday party. Not for her first year, but the only one she has ever attended. It was what some people would call “enlightening”. Lily is Cristina’s daughter, Cristina who will be sharing space with Phil in the new year in a place I like to call the “Scott’s Addition Creative Group.” Lily turned 3 this weekend.

I have enjoyed about 6 months of reading the blog about her life, including that of her 1 yr old little sister and big-wig law firm dad. It seems that although we are not just alike, Cristina shares the same love/hate, guilt ridden joy of motherhood that I do. In some inexplicable way, it is refreshing. I was pleased to finally get to meet her this weekend, even amidst the horror of tumbling, tossing and flying toddlers.

Cristina, for all of her disdain with uppity uber-moms and scarily cheery Romp-and-Roll employees, had a good time watching her daughter be the center of the universe for an hour. After the first hour rolled around, they turned down the lights, turned on the disco ball and bubble maker and had a mini-low attention span theater dance party for the kids. Vivienne, in all her glory, stood still and watched it all unfold. No movement, no dancing, nothing. She just stared at the ball and bubbles and other kids. I leaned over and asked Phil, “Why is our kid just sitting on the sidelines?”

Phil says “Because that’s what her parents’ do.” OUCH.

It was apparent. Phil and I only wished that Vivienne was a little less like us and a little more adventurous and less wall flower like her parents. In the end, we were all a bit overwhelmed.
It is too early for me to swear off parties in Vivienne’s honor forever. But I hope to delay it as long as I can. Cristina had the right idea though. If you must invite 20 kids over for a party, best not to have it in your own home. (Especially when rotten guests give your child noisy, rock star gifts – sorry!)