Tomorrow marks the beginning of a six-week period in which three of my four children, beginning with Little Eilan #2, will celebrate their birthdays. In years past, we've always traveled to my grandma's house for our family parties because my grandma wanted to be present but was eventually unable to travel.

Ever since my ex-husband and I separated, my two oldest daughters have had spread-out birthday celebrations. It kinda sucks, and sometimes I wish it weren't that way, but it is what it is. I'm sure that it's been a good thing from their POV, since they get to celebrate their birthdays more than once. However, it makes party planning a logistical nightmare.

We won't be going to my grandma's this year, obviously, so my husband and I will be hosting #2's party tomorrow. To make things easier on myself, I talked to my ex and my mom and asked them if they'd have a problem attending the same party. That way I wouldn't have to worry about celebrating with my mom and then cutting things short to get the girls to my ex.

They were both fine with it. My ex will even be bringing his new family. And he offered to bring pizza!

My mom and my ex haven't been to the same children's birthday party since my oldest child turned two back in 1999. My dad won't be coming, and I'm pretty sure he'll throw a fit about my mom being there with my ex. My dad has rarely ever attended my girls' birthday parties, so it's not like we're shutting him out. Celebrating milestones with the family just isn't his thing, and if he knows my ex is coming, he'll stay home.

The way I see it, this is my daughter's special day. It's kinda like going to my ex's wedding: sometimes you do things you'd rather not do to support your children. My mom can put aside the issues she has with my ex, whereas my dad holds a grudge and can't even be in a room with him.

I'm sure my little one will have fun. She's getting some Nintendo DS games, her very own yoga mat, and a few other things.