Cutest baby in the world,(second only to my own) or people have no manners

I just received his birth announcement today, ok, look at that face, couldn’t you just eat him up? This is my nephew Alejandro, born June 28, 3:18 p.m. CT. If you remember, I posted about his birth. And his birthday is so easy for me to remember, because my son’s birthday is on the 27th.

My sister says he has changed so much in the first month, and I’m like yeah, I know. I feel like such an old pro, I forget all the wonder and excitement of the firstborn. By the time you are on number 2, you are so busy trying to keep up, you don’t get all the one-on-one you did the first time around. I have her excitement not only keep me from being jaded, but also to remind me why we aren’t having anymore.

So, what’s with the title you ask? Well, the announcement wasn’t the only thing I received today. I also picked up Party Confidential – New etiquette for fabulous entertaining by Lara Shriftman and Elizabeth Harrison, yes they of The Gospel According to Party Confidential. I’ve been waiting patiently for the library to acquire it, and couldn’t wait to read it. It’s all about party etiquette, your job as a host and guest, and everything in-between. And I’m not crazy, because I know my mom raised me with some sense about politeness and being respectful of other people’s time and money.

I love receiving baby announcements, because it seems to be the only thing left of the old traditions that people actually adhere to. Pretty much the buck stops there. Take for example, inviting people to an event. Maybe it’s just me, but if I take the time to think of you, create you an invitation, and put a pricey stamp on it, the least you could do is RSVP in a timely manner. No one does that anymore. Or I’ll call/email a week before, no response. By then, I figure you aren’t worth my time, and cross you off my future-guest-list. And dear me, they actually have the balls to show up. But what’s even worse, is you RSVP, and then don’t show up, after I make up a gift bag, make enough food and a place setting for you. Especially, if you could have had someone else there. Completely forgot? I mean people, how many computer calendar programs are there? I don’t even use those, I have a dollar-store calendar that I write stuff down in…Susie’s party 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Done. This book has reaffirmed my belief that someone somewhere believes in bringing the hostess a gift, like flowers. Now, the correct way is to send them the day before so she doesn’t waste time at the party putting them in a vase. My gang isn’t that formal, we just show up with something but I believe that it’s a thank-you for slaving away at what ever awesomeness you have in store for me that night.

And I still send thank you cards for birthday parties, I may write them out, but I have the boys sign them.

And if the invitation is only addressed to me, I can’t bring the kids with me. If the invitation says “no kids please” I will not harass the hostess to bend the rules, and make her feel bad about it (which happened at a friend’s shower a few months ago).

I try hard not to be the last guest to leave, unless I am pulling my weight by helping to clean up.

I’m not a wall-flower, there is nothing a host/ess hates more than constantly checking on someone to make sure they are having a good time, because someone is pouting in a corner. Get over it, what are you, five? If you didn’t want to be there, you should have declined.

I’m done now.