For me, kids’ birthday parties now mean Free beer and buffets
When the twins were born, they were a bit early to the party, so needed to stay in hospital for a couple of weeks.
Emma was fine but Thomas was below 5lbs birth weight, so they kept him in and fed him up, until he hit that magic number.
Although initially concerning, this enforced hospital stay was the best thing we could have hoped for.
I had the opportunity to buy baby things, prepare the house, sleep and enjoy a little bit of ‘me’ time, in what I now refer to as the halcyon days.
And Victoria was taught general baby care by the specialist nurses and made friends with another mother in the bed opposite, who’d also given birth to twins.
Once Victoria and the twins were released for good behaviour, the friendship continued, so we now meet up with our offspring and let them frolic, while we complain about being tired, and I dream of the day they can form a dance troupe, wrestling team or novelty singing quartet.
Since it was our children’s shared birthday party last weekend, it was their turn this one, but the big difference was I had no responsibility for anyone or anything (apart from the twins). And by a piece of managed good fortune, I was unable to drive as my car was in the garage, so Victoria oversaw transport.
Hence when we arrived at the party and I was offered a beer, I accepted, after checking I wasn’t alone. There’s a solidarity in
numbers when you’re in charge of children and drinking, as it can strike the wrong note if you’re the only one getting stuck into the Fosters.
And then I located the buffet, found a comfortable seat and set up camp.
The twins were engaged in the garden with a variety of children, while somebody older and presumably a grandparent kept an eye on them.
The day drifted by in a haze of light chat, alcohol and beige buffet food until I realised it was 7pm.
The selection of sandwiches was finally looking depleted, I was now drinking Prosecco and talking at length to anyone who’d listen. Victoria pointed out it’s time to go and I begrudgingly accepted the fun was over since most others had already left.
We’d managed to enjoy a day out in which we’d all had fun, eaten very well and all for free. The day had been a triumph and all I can do now is hope there are yet more to come.
My only concern is if they read this and know I’m going to stay all day, drink too much and demolish the buffet then the chances of further invitations are slim to none.