I am having M’s 2nd birthday party at my girlfriend’s house, it being much bigger and nicer than mine. It was generous of her when it was just our two families mingling: my mom, her parents, our grandparents, my sister and niece, her cousin, some of my friends, some of her friends, and my former foster son and his grandma… but I also wanted to invite M’s (eight!) cousins who live nearby, as well as her half-sister and half-brother. I figured I’d get lucky if even one of them said they’d come, but I’ve been overwhelmed with RSVPs from them!
Suddenly I’m feeling just a little nervous. I want them there, and I like them, but my family, and my girlfriend’s family, have NO idea… I mean, our cultures are like black and white, with the exception of speaking English. It might actually have helped if we spoke separate languages!
There’s also a very real chance that they will all be no-shows.
But if they aren’t, I know it will be fine, we’ll just keep the focus on celebrating M’s life. In the end I want her to know that both of her families, all of the people who love her, are welcome in her life and home.
Mother of All Things 
We can give our families a heads up…that way there are no surprises!