Smalls is two today. And as I was going through the photos of her first birthday party (it was a Peter Rabbit theme complete with carrot cake because of course), I came across this one I forgot.
I had tried to order cupcakes from a friend who is much better at decorating them than I am, but she had to pull out at the last minute, which meant my earnest but skill-less efforts were all that I could provide on the day. Knowing full well nobody would give a shit if they were ugly (as long as they tasted good) and as long as there was plenty of good food, sunshine, happy people, and a jumping castle everyone would have a good time, I put down my first attempt at a garden cupcake with a grimace, but also a shrug.
What everrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
It totally sums up my whole approach to parenting, though: Try hard, do your best, do it with love, and when it falls short of your high ideals but is still enough, then take the piss out of yourself.
Then go have a beer or something. Enjoy that sunshine.
My parenting motto coming soon to a pinnable Pinterest image near you.
Tasha Batsford says
This is absolutely frickin awesome! And subversive in a Pinterest/ anti-Pinterest kinda way. Kudos lady, you’ve made a cupcake into an act of disobedience.
Veggie Mama says
Haha while I love Pinterest, I’m not so in love with inspirational quotes on pictures of sunsets and shit. Especially if it’s all about perfect parenting. No dice, people!
Tasha Batsford says
But how will you know how badly you’re failing as a parent?
Claire Chadwick says
Love this! LOVE IT!
You rock Stacey!
x
Veggie Mama says
It’s the only way to get out of it alive!
rebecca says
Haha, Go Veggie Mama
Veggie Mama says
Mother of the Year, I can just see the trophy now.
Reannon @shewhorambles says
Happiest of happy birthday to Miss Smalls! Let there be cake, lots & lots of cake x
Veggie Mama says
It’s a double-decker monstrosity! Plus, I had a frozen coke today and thought of you. That’s the best kind of coke.
Chantelle : Fat Mum Slim says
I think they look awesome. Happy birthday little P! xxx
Chantelle : Fat Mum Slim says
Also, how is she 2?????
Veggie Mama says
Lord, I have no idea. But I can have full conversations with her and it blows my mind. I even had a little cry last night, WHAT a sook! So emotional right now
Nikki | Styling You says
Happy birthday VB2 … and happy BIRTHday to you gorgeous Mama x
Veggie Mama says
It’s been weird – two birthdays without you there! Hope you’re healing well after the shower debacle x
GourmetGirlfriend says
OMG I think these are the best cupcakes EVAH!!!!!
ALso I am a big fan of your parenting style. a very big fan.
getting it wrong is a gift to our children so they can do better than us. right? that’s what I tell mine anyway 🙂
And ‘graffiti writing on any available wall ladycakes of awesome’ is TWO ?! WTF already?
Veggie Mama says
I know! I need to bring her to your happy rough+tumble house. I feel very proud you agree with how I raise my kids, because if I can raise mine the relaxed, loving, whole-hearted way you raise yours, I’ll have succeeded x
Lisa says
I gave up trying too hard when I realised the kids just lick the icing off them anyway and leave the half eaten cupcake for the dog to finish off! I hope your little one had a fantastic day.
Veggie Mama says
Ha yeah kids do NOT care!
Workingwomenaus says
I love that parenting style! Happy birthday to your gorgeous girl. I’m sure she’s had a fabulous day (and now you have a beer in hand ;))
Veggie Mama says
I did have a beer! beer and tacos. Better combination? none!
Jo says
Happy Birthday little one and welcome to the 2s!! We parents must drink beer DAILY and take the piss out of ourselves for pure survival x
Veggie Mama says
Amen, sister!
Carly Findlay says
Happy birthday little one! And I love reading your blog, seeing pics of your girls and knowing that you’re having fun
Veggie Mama says
You are so lovely Carly. It’s usually always fun around here!
MotherDownUnder says
How is she two?
I hope she had a very merry birthday!
And I agree…I would rather laugh than cry!
Perfectionism is not a part of my parenting!
Veggie Mama says
Oh it’s insane. I don’t even know. She was born like, yesterday!
Sonia@ LIfe Love and Hiccups says
Oh Whatever – that is my whole approach to life. Happy birthday to your gorgeous girl hun – man they grow up too fast xx
Veggie Mama says
So I hear! Definitely no babies left at VMHQ x
Shannon @ Oh Creative Day says
If it comes from a place of love, then generally, it’s all good, yeah?
In a side note, your handwriting is real purrrdy. Surely that counts for something in birthday party staging?
Veggie Mama says
Yep I agree! and if neat handwriting is causally related to excellent childrearing, then I’ve nailed it already 😉
Nicole - Seeking Victory says
Brilliant. Hopefully that healthy non-Stressy attitude will rub off on your kids
Veggie Mama says
Ooh fingers crossed for that.
The Plumbette says
Happy Birthday little one! Hope you had a fab birthday! Those green. Up cakes look awesome! I go with the flow most times too. I think I’ve relaxed more now I have three girls. Which is weird but true. 🙂
Veggie Mama says
Haha I think it makes perfect sense x
kelley says
2. I can’t even.
Love your face off.
Veggie Mama says
Is that what happened to it? I thought John Travolta took it in my sleep.