Recently in Birthdays Category

I'm generally in awe of my wife for a variety of reasons, but most especially in the realms of being a human being, friend and particularly parent. I know, it sounds like I'm bragging or scheming to get a new batch of cookies with those yummy chocolate chips she picked up, but I'd wager anyone who knows her has probably felt the same way at some point. Most recently for me, it was last night at the girls' bed-time.

We usually read books to the girls, but last night we stayed up later than usual eating popcorn and watching The Lion King so we had a make-believe birthday party instead. This is a nap-time routine that Brandie & Sophie have developed together, and it usually involves Snow White, Mickey Mouse or some other celebrity (at some point or another I think every one of our long-distance family and friends has been the subject). Last night I was the guest of honor, a rare instance where Sophie didn't have to take on the role of the guest mid-way through. Here's a rough transcription of what it's like:

Mom: "Ok whose birthday is it?"
Girls: "Daddy's!"
Mom: "What do you think he would like for his birthday present?"
Sophie: "A new boot!" (just one)
Josie: "A pancake!"
Mom: "Does anyone have a pancake?"
Sophie: "I do!  It's a squeaky one!"
Mom: "Ok let's wrap his present! What color box should we put it in?"
Sophie: "Brown!" (looks at me) "Do you like brown?"
Me: "I do."
Mom: "Oh I only have a white box. Does anyone have some brown paint they could color this box with?"
Sophie: "I do!" (pretends to paint the box)
Mom: "Here, hold your finger on this ribbon and help me tie the bow. Perfect. Now does anyone have a boot for Daddy?"
Sophie: "I have a cowboy boot right here."
Mom: "Josie, do you have a pretty box we could put this boot in for Daddy?"
Josie: "Uh-huh." (pretend wrapping, rolling of the arms, ribbon placement and the addition of sprinkles commence)
Mom: "Now, what kind of cake do you think Daddy wants?"
Sophie: "A boot cake, but not in the shape of a boot, just with a boot on it with icing."
Mom: "Ok we need 3 cups of flour. Josie, do you have any flour?"
Josie: "Yeah!" (pours into imaginary bowl Mom is holding out)
Mom: "Ok now we need 2 eggs. Sophie do you have some eggs?"
Sophie: "Here you go!" (cracks eggs into bowl)
Mom: "Alright, we need some vanilla. Josie do you have any vanilla?"
Josie: (pours in vanilla)
Mom: "And two pinches of salt, one from each of you." (a pinch added by each)
Mom: "Can you whisk it for me?"
Sophie: "Sure!" (crazy stirring with lots of sound effects) "Let's put it in the oven." (slam!) Ding! It's done."
Mom:  "Ok, take it out but be careful, it's very hot. Daddy I think it's about time for you to go in the hall."
Dad: (I do)
Mom: "Ah! I hear Daddy.  Let's hide. (they duck down and cover their eyes) One, two, three. Surprise! Happy Birthday Daddy!"
Me: "Oh! Thank you!"
Mom: "Would you like to open your presents Dad?" (Josie hands over the squeaky pancake then Sophie hands over the boot, insisting that I try it on)
Mom: "Are you ready for birthday cake?" (Mom, Sophie and Josie all sing Happy Birthday to me)
Mom: "Now make a wish and blow out your candles." (I do) "Sophie would you like to cut the cake?"
Sophie: "Sure! Here's one for Josie, one for Mommy, one for Daddy and one for Sophie."
Mom: "Did anyone else come to Daddy's party?"
Sophie: "Oh yeah. One for Grandpa, one for Grandma, one for Eulie dog and Julia-n-Jessica. Dad, my cousins came to your party!"
Me: "Hooray! Thank you both so much for my presents and wonderful party."

A big congratulations to Danny and Trina on the arrival of their beautiful little baby girl Ava! She was born in the wee hours of the morning on May 20th. She arrived weighing 7lbs 15oz and measuring 22 inches long. We can't wait to meet you Ava!

How about we all meet at Boca for dinner? Or maybe the Buckeye?

Have a fantastic birthday, we'll be sending our love from balmy upstate New York (no kidding, it's in the upper 60s here today)!

How about coming over for lunch today so we can get a new picture of you?

Our little baby turned 3 today.  She already had a wonderful party on Saturday so we made today a little more low key.  She picked what she wanted for breakfast (peanut butter puffins) and then opened some presents from Great Grandma Mary and Uncle Jesse and Uncle Dan.  Then she went about her day doing big, three year old things.

She's back on the potty training and while she won't tell us if she needs to go #1 on the potty, we are trying to get her into a routine of sitting on the potty at specific times of the day.  Just before her nap we were in the bathroom finishing up the business.  Washed hands and then she gave me a snuggle.  I sang Happy Birthday to her and bawled the whole time, remembering this day three years ago.  Sitting in our hospital room waiting for her to wake up.   Waiting to see what she would be like.

We no longer have to wait.  Everyday is an adventure full of stories, songs, fits, fights and snuggles.  She wakes us up every morning.  While no longer sleeping in our bed, she still gets up before us and plays in her room.  She politely closes her sisters door (which wakes her up) before playing in her room.  She does a great job sharing with her sister even though it can be difficult at times.  She is really showing signs of wanting to be in school.  She loves structured activity and thrives with her new memory game she got for her birthday.

She loves peanut butter, milk, Buzz Lightyear, cooking with mom and dad in the kitchen, reading her books, watching "shows", drawing, playing dad's guitar, jumping off of things, playing outside, sledding, making snow angels, bossing mom around, singing songs and her sister.

It's a wonderful time to be with our beautiful little girl and we are so grateful that we have this time together.  We love you Sophia!

It's Jake's 35th birthday today and we are happy to be celebrating it together. Someday we'll get the party tree but for now, he seems happy cozied up in his Hobbit Hole. Happy Birthday Honey!

Our friend Michele (seen here in the center preparing for her solo, two over from a slack-jawed Mr. Fleischer) celebrates her birthday today. As that expertly-drawn poster used to say, Way to go, Oak(es)!

She's a little older than pictured here but no less interested in handbags - only now she makes them herself, along with about anything else you could want! If only we could afford to have her decorate our house...

Happy Birthday Aunt Sarah, we love you!

After all these years, he's still got it: good looks and charm to spare! All the ladies here agree. Have a great birthday Dad, we love you.

Birthday Week continues with Sophie & Josie's brilliant & beautiful Aunt Lauren (that's her on the right, without the tux): have a Happy Birthday, we love you!