Hmmm... well... I'm not sure if the parties we have been to are that bad, but Gabby has been to quite a few.

I guess the difference is, we weren't home-bodies to begin with so we do feel like we are missing out in a small way if we always stay home for the sake of Gabby's routine.

Most of the parties we have been to are really just back-yard type things anyway. NYE we were out until 1:30am at our friend's place around the corner. Gabby slept in her pram and we walked home. I gave her a bottle when we got home, put her to bed and she slept until 8am. I guess we are lucky that she is kind of flexible like that.

I have noticed it is getting harder as she gets older tho. Last night we were out for dinner and by 9pm she was unbearable and just wouldn't go to sleep. So I brought her home. Sometimes it's just not worth the hassle.

We have had a couple of parties that have been at venues that I would rather just not take Gabby to. Those times Mum has looked after her overnight at her place or at our place until we get home (I much prefer it when she stays at Mum's place tho... then I don't have to get up to her in the morning, LOL). In saying that, we've only really done it 2 or 3 times so it's not a regular occurance.

Gabby doesn't really go to bed until around 9pm. Some nights it's earlier but for the most part it is later because it suits us better. As one of my friends with 3 kids said, you can get away with having a later routine with your first.

We only go out once or twice a week past Gabby's bed time (some weeks not at all) and I don't think the occasional really late night will hurt them. In saying that, it's not worth doing if you are not 100% comfortable with it. Everyone is different and everyone brings their child up differently. Everyone copes differently with change and sometimes sticking to the routine is best for your sanity. You can't let other people dictate to you when and where you decide to take your child. I am lucky that Gab goes with the flow most of the time - I know other babies may not be so comfortable with such interruptions.

It drove me crazy last night when people would look at Gabby and say, "Oh, what are you doing awake at this hour?" and it was only 8pm!! I wanted to tell them "She did have a massive 3 hour sleep today and only woke up at 4pm so she's not tired yet" but I know there's no point. People judge you no matter what you do!