Kids + Wedding = Disaster?

This weekend my family and I attended a wedding. I am usually of the opinion that weddings are not a place for little kids. Whenever my husband and I are invited to a wedding we automatically call and book a babysitter. No one wants their special day to be ruined by screaming kids. Also, weddings are exciting affairs which kids don't really understand. They only understand that something important is going on and therefore, they become 'wound up'. I have to admit that it's also partially because I like to enjoy myself at a wedding. It is a time to rekindle that flame with your significant other, and that is quite a challenge when you both are stressed because you are trying to manage kids.

 

I fully admit that I am very judgemental when I attend a wedding reception and young kids (I'm talking under 5 years) are in attendance. Dinner usually starts around my kids' bedtime - it is way too late a night. When I'm not pregnant, I like to enjoy myself and I don't think drinking and watching out for your child at the same time is a good mix.
 

On Saturday we made an exception to our rule. It was very important to the bride and groom that our eldest was there, because she was their flower girl. She was amazing and did a really great job (this was her third gig as a flower girl). But this was her first time being allowed to come to the reception. We let her stay until 9pm (once dinner and the father/daughter dance was done). Then I brought her for a sleep over at her baby sitter's and returned to the reception.

She seemed so grown up this weekend! Sure - she had her moments. There were tears and tantrums, but I had to keep reminding myself that it was the excitement and lack of sleep that was the cause - not because she wanted to make me mad.

After the ceremony, we went to our hotel room that we had booked for the night and I sat in the bed with her reading until she finally feel asleep for a nap. I was adamant, because I knew she would need to recharge before the reception. Our other two came to the ceremony, but then were whisked away by their aunt. The excitement of the ceremony was enough for them!

As I mentioned in a previous blog (Going to a Wedding When You're Pregnant) post, it was very hard to find a dress for the wedding. This was the winner. I found it at Rhonda Maternity in Toronto. I'm hoping that it may get some more use (either this summer/fall) or I think I can just hem the front so the fabric is even all the way around and wear it post-maternity. It was very comfortable and fell nicely (check out my belly below!).

Also, I just wanted to mention that there is nothing sexier than a man who dotes on his daughter. Just saying ;)