Ready, Set, No Go

Costumes are sewn. Treats have been purchased. Games have been prepared. The pinata has been stuffed with prizes. Decorations have been procured. Food has been cooked. Guests have RSVP'd. The house has been cleaned.

We are all ready to have a great Halloween party in celebration of Mia's birthday.

Except one thing.

Mia has the flu.

Poor Mia. She started to cry at the doctor this morning.

So, for now, our Halloween plans have been postponed for a week.

We really just seem to have bad luck with Mia's birthday.

Mia's first "friend party" was a "Pony Party," but despite gorgeous weather the preceding days, it SNOWED the afternoon of Mia's birthday and the owner of the pony that was supposed to show up and give rides refused to come.

Her next birthday was a couple of months after we moved and the lack of family or close friends to share the event loomed large over the whole celebration. I could tell Mia felt the contrast.

Then, last year Mia did not get any party. I didn't make her a special dinner or cake either. She got visits from her grandmas, plenty of gifts, and special moments, but nothing remotely organized since I was on bedrest until the day before and we knew Elsie Jane would be born at any moment.

This year, I thought I had everything in place for a successful birthday bash. I had planned and prepared. I had sent invitations weeks in advance.

But, even the constant use of hand sanitizer that Jeffrey has forced upon our home lately could not prevent this setback.

Maybe Maggie will still go trick-or-treating.

Otherwise, I figure the kids will enjoy a Halloween-themed party in November just as much as tonight. And, in the meantime, I have packed all the party implements away in the garage and am enjoying an unexpectedly calm Halloween.