Don't Underestimate the Importance of a Birthday to a 4 Year Old

The kid turned 4 last week. It was all planned out - there was going to be a birthday party here on Saturday, we had invited all his friends from school and playgroup, there would be balloons, party hats and Mickey Mouse cupcakes for the kids (beer, wine and margaritas for the adults) - good times, right?

Friday morning there was some coughing. Alright, it happens, he has bad allergies, the weather's been crazy. I go ahead and send out the reminder email and to tell everyone to send kids in mud clothes because of the rain. Then there was puking. Not alright. And a fever. Even less alright. Sent another email to cancel the party.

PSA - do everything in your power to never have to tell a little boy you have to cancel his birthday party. It's the saddest thing EVER.

Me: We can't have your birthday party tomorrow

Kid: What do you mean?

Me: Mommy has to cancel your birthday party because you threw up and have a fever. We don't want your friends to get sick.

Kid: What? (Big tear-brimmed eyes) But I won't throw up anymore, I promise. Can I still have my birthday? Please? I won't be sick, Mommy, I won't. I want to be four! PLEASE?! (now looking a bit panicked)

Me: You'll still have your birthday and turn four, but you won't have a party. You and Mommy and Daddy will have cake and presents, but your friends can't come over.

Kid: (sniffle)(sob) But I won't make anyone sick..

This went on and on, around and around, you can probably guess the rest - tears, anguish, dismay, you get the picture.

So, guilt-ridden mommy and deflated little boy go to the store to pick out a cake. He wants Mickey on his cake. That's fine, he chooses a ready made cake with big green flowers from the cooler and the very nice lady at the bakery let me buy the Mickey set to go on top. While I'm talking to her, the kid is telling some random lady his sob story about how his birthday party was cancelled and all he wanted was to have his friends come play for his birthday. The next thing I know, she's handing him $5 and telling him to get something for his birthday! I'm trying to refuse, and she told me she had a niece his age and she was so sorry about his party. I let him keep it. Then promptly removed him from the store before he could hit anyone else up.

Saturday morning comes, no puking, no fever, no coughing. "Mommy! I'm all better, can I have my party?" (sigh)