Smalls is two today. And as I was going through the photos of her first birthday party (it was a Peter Rabbit theme complete with carrot cake because of course), I came across this one I forgot.
I had tried to order cupcakes from a friend who is much better at decorating them than I am, but she had to pull out at the last minute, which meant my earnest but skill-less efforts were all that I could provide on the day. Knowing full well nobody would give a shit if they were ugly (as long as they tasted good) and as long as there was plenty of good food, sunshine, happy people, and a jumping castle everyone would have a good time, I put down my first attempt at a garden cupcake with a grimace, but also a shrug.
What everrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
It totally sums up my whole approach to parenting, though: Try hard, do your best, do it with love, and when it falls short of your high ideals but is still enough, then take the piss out of yourself.
Then go have a beer or something. Enjoy that sunshine.
My parenting motto coming soon to a pinnable Pinterest image near you.
This is absolutely frickin awesome! And subversive in a Pinterest/ anti-Pinterest kinda way. Kudos lady, you’ve made a cupcake into an act of disobedience.
Haha while I love Pinterest, I’m not so in love with inspirational quotes on pictures of sunsets and shit. Especially if it’s all about perfect parenting. No dice, people!
But how will you know how badly you’re failing as a parent?
Love this! LOVE IT!
You rock Stacey!
x
It’s the only way to get out of it alive!
Haha, Go Veggie Mama
Mother of the Year, I can just see the trophy now.
Happiest of happy birthday to Miss Smalls! Let there be cake, lots & lots of cake x
It’s a double-decker monstrosity! Plus, I had a frozen coke today and thought of you. That’s the best kind of coke.
I think they look awesome. Happy birthday little P! xxx
Also, how is she 2?????
Lord, I have no idea. But I can have full conversations with her and it blows my mind. I even had a little cry last night, WHAT a sook! So emotional right now
Happy birthday VB2 … and happy BIRTHday to you gorgeous Mama x
It’s been weird – two birthdays without you there! Hope you’re healing well after the shower debacle x
OMG I think these are the best cupcakes EVAH!!!!!
ALso I am a big fan of your parenting style. a very big fan.
getting it wrong is a gift to our children so they can do better than us. right? that’s what I tell mine anyway 🙂
And ‘graffiti writing on any available wall ladycakes of awesome’ is TWO ?! WTF already?
I know! I need to bring her to your happy rough+tumble house. I feel very proud you agree with how I raise my kids, because if I can raise mine the relaxed, loving, whole-hearted way you raise yours, I’ll have succeeded x
I gave up trying too hard when I realised the kids just lick the icing off them anyway and leave the half eaten cupcake for the dog to finish off! I hope your little one had a fantastic day.
Ha yeah kids do NOT care!
I love that parenting style! Happy birthday to your gorgeous girl. I’m sure she’s had a fabulous day (and now you have a beer in hand ;))
I did have a beer! beer and tacos. Better combination? none!
Happy Birthday little one and welcome to the 2s!! We parents must drink beer DAILY and take the piss out of ourselves for pure survival x
Amen, sister!
Happy birthday little one! And I love reading your blog, seeing pics of your girls and knowing that you’re having fun
You are so lovely Carly. It’s usually always fun around here!
How is she two?
I hope she had a very merry birthday!
And I agree…I would rather laugh than cry!
Perfectionism is not a part of my parenting!
Oh it’s insane. I don’t even know. She was born like, yesterday!
Oh Whatever – that is my whole approach to life. Happy birthday to your gorgeous girl hun – man they grow up too fast xx
So I hear! Definitely no babies left at VMHQ x
If it comes from a place of love, then generally, it’s all good, yeah?
In a side note, your handwriting is real purrrdy. Surely that counts for something in birthday party staging?
Yep I agree! and if neat handwriting is causally related to excellent childrearing, then I’ve nailed it already 😉
Brilliant. Hopefully that healthy non-Stressy attitude will rub off on your kids
Ooh fingers crossed for that.
Happy Birthday little one! Hope you had a fab birthday! Those green. Up cakes look awesome! I go with the flow most times too. I think I’ve relaxed more now I have three girls. Which is weird but true. 🙂
Haha I think it makes perfect sense x
2. I can’t even.
Love your face off.
Is that what happened to it? I thought John Travolta took it in my sleep.