My daughter is seven years old. She's amazing in so many ways. Born with a genetic anomaly (Chromosome Deletion Disorder) she's developmentally delayed. By all accounts she should have Autism and be socially distant. This is what doctors have told us. Of all the documented cases of others who also have her section of Chromosome 3 missing, virtually every one is affected that way.
What does any of this have to do with parties? It relates, I swear.
I love to entertain — sometimes I get all fancy, but more often I just like to have friends over to hang out, eat, play games, catch up. My kids know that when I start setting the table and bringing out the serving bowls, that people will be coming over at some point.
My son enjoys having guests over. My daughter REALLY enjoys it. Not only is she not anti-social as we were warned to expect, she's the exact opposite. Avery is one of the most friendly, outgoing party girls you'll ever meet. We call her "Good Time Avery." If there's any fun to be had, she'll sniff it out and join in. If not, she'll make her own fun.
Parties, sleep-overs, playdates, guests for dinner, going out on the town... these experiences make her heart sing.
Recently we joined a gregarious group of Yummy Mummies for dinner and a show. We saw Ross Petty's The Little Mermaid and it was spectacular. If you're looking for some quality family entertainment in Toronto this holiday season, this is it.
Before the show we all met up for dinner. My daughter left me in her dust the second we walked into the restaurant. She ditched me to mix and mingle with the other families. Interacting with people—being social, this is her happy place.
So the other day when she started moving around the dining room chairs and emptying the cupboard of plastic cups and plates, I let her have at it. "I having a party mum." she told me.
The child is obsessed with parties. She's begged and pleaded to host another birthday party. I'm all for it but her birthday isn't for another nine months. I suggested she host a Holiday Party in the meantime. We made a list of a few friends to invite and talked about decorating cookies and doing a few simple crafts. How hard could this be with four or five kids?
The next day a note from one of Avery's classmates came home. "Dear Avery and Avery's mum. I am so excited about the party. I am a vegetarian, so can we please have cheese pizza? See you at the party!"
It seems my darling daughter invited her entire class. Fine. Go big or go home I suppose. The party is this weekend. I'll be sure to post pictures of the... aftermath.
Do you have a little party animal on your hands?
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