This is my first yuppy, upper middle-class, themed, over-the-kid’s head type birthday parties. I have had a lot of fun planning for it, even though it’s going to be quite a bit of work. I have always looked upon these somewhat overdone parties with a twinge of envy. They seemed somehow out-my-league, as a kid, and as an adult. They seemed like something to aspire to. So, now that I have a very nice, larger home (my girlfriend’s, that is) to host in, I got excited about the idea that I would be “movin’ up in the world”, so to speak, in the world of kids’ birthday parties. I realize this is a shallow, first-world type of endeavor, but if it turns out to not be as fun or worth it as I imagined it would be, no problem. I won’t do it again.
Somewhere between 17-26 adults will be there, and between 3-14 kids. Two kids for sure, and 11 maybes! Most of the maybes are M’s cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandparents. So far they say they’re coming, but as for the sister, her relatives never even showed up to the court ordered visits they said they’d be at, and the cousins, well… both times we’ve seen them I’ve initiated the contact, I’ve driven to them, and they have not invited Mariah to any family get togethers or birthday parties. I don’t think it’s because they don’t want to see her… I think their lifestyle just prevents follow-through, or perhaps they have the same discomforts with our cultural differences that I do with them.
The hardest part is knowing how much food to make, and worse, how many “goodie” bags to make for kids. Looks like I’ll be making 12 of them and most likely ending up with 10 extra. My niece and cousin’s daughter will be coming for sure. My former foster son’s grandma originally RSVP’d, but now is not responding about whether or not she’ll make it.
I’m just going to be prepared for everyone, and not at all disappointed if everyone doesn’t show up. We’ll eat the food eventually!
Mother of All Things 
The important thing is that you all will be having fun no matter who shows up! You might have some food leftovers to eat for a week. It is hard when we want people to show up for our kids’ lives and they don’t. We can’t make them, ya know.
I actually dread the day when Evelyn wants an elaborate party that involves more than just our family members & closest friends. Not my wheelhouse.
I’m sure M will love it no matter how many people show up. She’ll know it’s her special day, and she’ll love the treats and presents and being the focus of everyone’s attention!