I think it's so easy for mothers to get carried away with their kids' birthday parties, and to go a bit mental in the planning process.
The receptionist at my "previous employment" invited over 100 people to her kid's first birthday party. I don't think that I even know 100 people. Really, I don't. I keep about 5 close friends and the rest of the universe is kept at as far a distance as I can keep them. I am really really fussy about who I let in to my space. It's a thing.
So for Noah's birthday we have about 10 guests. Because those are the people that we share intimate occasions with. I have avoided as much party-panic as possible by having a small crowd, and having the party at home (so that all kid and baby equipment is on hand) and so that we can decorate the garden. I'm talking bunting, balloons, fairy lights, scatter cushions and blankets.
But I did a very silly thing. I got carried away and ordered a very expensive (like as much as my wedding cake -expensive) Winnie The Pooh birthday cake for Noah. And tonight when I was putting him to bed, I have him his favorite pooh teddy and he chucked it on the floor and firmly said "NO POOH!!!!". So now I'm pretty sure that he is over his "Winnie" stage and is going to attack his birthday cake in front of all our friends. Not that any of my friends would care or think he's a kak kid. But still.
Better keep the camera ready.