Has Pinterest killed the Plain Jane birthday?

I think birthdays are huge. I think they are an important opportunity to show each child just how special they are. With that being said, I think that I have been sucked into Pinterest Hell.

Don't get me wrong. I actually think Pinterest is quite fun. I love seeing how creative other people are or what others have discovered. I wish that I could cook like my Pinterest boards every night, but I can't. 

There is a thin line between reality and dreams and what's necessary. 

Do my kids need to feel special on their birthdays? Yes.

Should they have birthday decorations? Maybe. 

Do they need banners, homemade cupcakes, balloons, themes, color coordination, (whatever you want to fill in the blank with here)? Probably not. 

But did I do all that? Yep. I am a little ashamed to say that I did. 

Calan's birthday was fun with fire engines, but all that he really wanted to do was play in his water table and pool. He liked having a fire hat, but 10 fire hats I used for decorating are now still floating around my house. 

I have now gone crazy with Maisie's birthday. 

Why am I doing it?

I wish I had a better answer than that I love to hear the Ohhs and Awes from guests. I like to hear my efforts be praised. IT IS COMPLETELY SELFISH!

I hate that. I hate that I see it as my opportunity to shine instead of my baby's. I hate that I have some how decided that if I just do a normal party, than I am not that great of a mother. I hate how I have set this expectation for myself. 

The fact is Maisie could care less. She is actually not a huge fan of crowds. She is a typical introvert. She would just be happy hanging out with her brother, trying a cupcake, and maybe me carrying her for a little while. 

I am hoping next year I remember this and keep it small. (But probably not. Thanks Pinterest)