The Absolute Chaos of My Daughter’s First Birthday Party: What I Learned About Toddler Overstimulation
At 12:17 p.m., my daughter was sitting in a puddle of frosting, one sock missing, while my uncle tried to lead a second round of “Happy Birthday” and the smoke alarm chirped because my mother had lit the candle with a match long enough to reach the ceiling. My daughter, who had just turned one, looked around the living room at twenty-three adults, four cousins, one barking dog, and a balloon arch that had already lost its shape. Her lower lip trembled. Then she screamed.
I had planned the party for weeks. I made a banner. I ordered a cake shaped like a sunflower. I bought an outfit with a tiny embroidered “1” on it. I thought I was being practical by scheduling the party at 11 a.m., but I forgot that her morning nap had been shortened because I was frosting cupcakes and moving furniture. By the time guests arrived, she had been awake for four hours. That is a long time for a one-year-old. It is also a long time for me.
The first hour was fine. She sat on my hip and stared at everyone. She allowed her grandmother to touch her foot. She smiled at the neighbor’s toddler, who immediately tried to take her teething ring. Then the door
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