Party Party Party

This weekend was a very busy weekend.  We had actually been invited to 3 parties - Matt managed all 3 (using his motorbike to zoom to one) whilst Tom and I managed 2.

Birthday girl blowing out the candles on her Miffy Cake

Saturday was the 3rd birthday of Mae - I was on cake duty: a big cake for Mae, another one for Lucy and cupcakes. All got a bit frantic at the end as Rachel's mum wanted to make the cakes but then got ill and I had another 3 , but it all got done in the end.

So the party was good - all very beautifully presented as you would expect from Rachel - the most beautiful tiny cakes made by the grandparents - and plenty of pastels adorning the room.  Most important of all though was a bouncy castle.  Tom didn't go for it initally, then would only go on it holding on to me, but luckily Sammie and Sophie were there.  Sammie managed to get Tom on to it and then as long as I hid from him he was happy as Larry and spent the day bouncing away.

Tom and Mae - what a beautiful couple

In fact he really got his confidence up which meant I was free to do as I wished.  Sammie pointed out to me that I could drink seeing as she had picked us up, so drink I did: 3 whole glasses of red wine - absolute bliss and because there was loads of party food I didn't have any bad effects - fabulous - it felt really good believe you me and by far the most I have drunk since conceiving Tom!

Sunday was Jessica's party.  Another bouncy castle and this time no looking back - he was straight on it - although if bigger children got on or there were too many children on it he would get off - not a bad strategy and once again we managed no tears, even though he got squashed a couple of times - a sure sign he is getting braver.

Tom with his balloon sword

Tom spent most of this party with Mae - he was absolutely delighted to see her and ran straight up to her to give her a huge hug and kiss.  At one stage they were running round the hall holding hands and lots of hugs and kisses were going on - so so sweet and for the first time Phil could see it all he was suitably charmed although there was talk of shot guns (he has a licence as does one of the other NCT Dads).

Tom was so confident doing his own thing that at one stage I felt like a spare part and began to think that maybe I should try to socialise with some of the adults - a very strange feeling - I am so used to having a clingy child with me.

So, another plate of party food, more bouncing, more cake and then goodbyes.  Tom was asleep in minutes on the way home - well deserved he certainly played hard.

Next weekend we should be going to 2 more parties but they clash so it will just be the one, then one more and party season will be over for a while and we will have to entertain Tom by ourselves at the weekend!

Oh and on Sunday night Tom informed us that Mae is his best friend - didn't even know he knew that expression!

Oh and last week Tom officially started pre-school and LOVED it - which is amazing seeing as he is small and timid.  He was so proud, happy and excited to be in the big room - it really is a joy to see.  So nice not to have to go through grief with him, so I am proud, happy and excited too.  Tell you what though - it is sooooo noisy in there and some of the kids are quite big.  Somehow he has managed to get a couple of older children to look after him - so I think he should be fine.