I started this yesterday while everyone was sleeping – and then everyone woke up, and that was the end of blog posting! This morning as I was walking the dog and reflecting on the day, the things that stuck out most in my mind were fun and laughter – the day seemed full of both. So if you want a summary rather than an epic recount, there it is – fun and laughter. If you want the deets, keep reading…
—————
I just sat down to write about the day and realized there is so much that I don’t know where to start. I guess I’ll start with what I’m most happy about: My boy loved his party. He loved the balloons, he loved the cake (after a little coaxing…), he loved the pizza – and he LOVED the water and playing with all the people. I couldn’t ask for more.
Grandma and Grandpa came up last night to finish the cake and to help with whatever was needed. Thank goodness they were here. Even with help I was still running around like crazy until the minute the first guests arrived. I had big plans to leisurely wander the house taking pictures before the guests arrived. Pipe dreams my friends. There was actually a moment last night when Rob thought he had contracted the stomach flu and that we might have to call off the party. Happily, he rallied – and we are chocking his troubles up to a bad brownie that he was served at an afternoon meeting.
Brendan woke up early, and I realized I wanted him to get very first pick of the whale favors (well, second pick… we had already sent one to somebody important), so we went out to the front room and he had no interest at all in the whales – he just kept pointing outside. Finally I turned toward the window and saw three under the sea themed birthday balloons tied to our mailbox. My first cry of the day. Not only the kindness of our neighbors (I had a hunch, and later confirmed it was them… of course), but also that Brendan had seen them and gotten excited even before I knew they were there.
So much scurrying around this morning. As many lists as I make, the last minute set-up always takes longer than I think it will. But once everyone arrived, I just sat back and had fun. I didn’t worry about any details, I didn’t even focus on taking pictures. I did manage to snap off a couple (hundred) but I didn’t worry about capturing each moment because I was also lucky enough to have at least three amazing photographers at the party with their big huge fancy cameras (and one other photography couple who had the nerve not to bring their camera…). Clearly this is the secret: always have good friends who can take great pictures! I will add their pictures later as they arrive.
The whole idea that spawned the ‘under the sea’ theme was how much Brendan loves balloons. I decided I could create ‘bubbles’ by placing weighted helium balloons at different heights all over the back yard. It looked awesome. For about 5 minutes, until the breeze blew them around and clumped them up. At least they clumped up into piles of balloons, so who is complaining? We also clumped together a bunch of kiddie pools, including a sprinkling octopus – and had tons of pool toys for the kids. They loved it. And I loved watching them love it. They hardly wanted to come out for pizza, but when they did and we wrapped them all in fluffy towels with just their little wrinkled toes peeking out, it brought me back to that post-swimming feeling I remember from my childhood.
We ate pizza – and then it was cake time. We sang, and Brendan soaked it up. I watched him taking it in, and it filled my heart. Then since Grandma made him his very own cake, we let him have the whole thing. At first I don’t think he knew it was food, but then when we cut a piece into what he recognizes as food like pieces – he dug in. You know that face he always makes whenever he first takes a bite of something new? The look of disgust? Yeah, there was none of that. He took a bite, made no sour face, and went right in for more. Grandma and Grandpa also made homemade ice cream and he thoroughly enjoyed that too. I couldn’t help but think of having homemade ice cream on 4th of July in Iowa last year – with brownies, but I won’t talk about those because Rob is still a little sensitive…
Popping up to healthy diet only- Diet should be packed with essential nutrients that include vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbs, zinc, iron, magnesium, potassium, and other elements that improve the functions of the reproductive organs and increase blood flow in the particular areas of the body. cheap cheap viagra is for all adult males who ever or are suffering from impotence. By sticking to a proper diet, you will increase the blood flow within the body as conferred by nutrition buying viagra canada experts. You should avoid intake of online levitra junk foods. For stimulating the dantian, http://pamelaannschoolofdance.com/aid-6190 pills viagra Acupressure recommends working on a plan to provide personalized, performance-based support for mental health professionals to progressively expand their range of competencies and to stay current in those areas of established competence.
Grandma’s cake – well, I can’t say I was surprised – but the guests were. She did an incredible job. She made all kinds of little sea creatures out of frosting, and then created her own center-piece fitting for her favorite Grandson’s very first birthday, and very first cake. It was not only beautiful, but delicious. When I was asked what kind of cake I thought Brendan would enjoy, I decided that he would love my favorite cake most of all… so pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting was enjoyed by all.
After cake, I thought people would head home – but the kids needed one more round of pool play. Including Brendan. We were dipping his feet in, but that wasn’t enough. He wasn’t wearing a swimsuit, or a swim diaper – but you know what? It’s his birthday. So in he went. My favorite part was when he crawled around and around the perimeter of the pool – holding various toys as he went. He and Charlie played in that pool together cracking each other up. Warning: it got a little crazy toward the end of the party, and this video contains nudity:
People made their wishes for Brendan, we sent them home with treats (I caught some of the big people taking the little people treats, which I loved) and then it was over. There were no tears through the whole party (well, other than Mama’s….) but it was definitely nap time. So the fluffy towel came out, we got him in a fresh diaper and dry clothes – and then he and Grandma settled in for a nap. Rob and Grandpa and I – along with our friend Gabe who was at our house with Chelsea a year ago today, cleaned up most of the party remains. Now I’m looking at pictures and recounting the party, and guess what? Everyone else in the house is still sleeping. Including Chelsea who is trying her best to find a spot where she can lie down and still be exactly middle of of everyone, even though we are spread throughout the house. She would really prefer it if we all stayed together in one room.
We haven’t even really opened presents yet! Not the ones from Mom and Dad – and only a couple from the guests at the party which were opened upon request. So there is still more birthday. When Rob turned off the octopus sprinkler, Charlie got very sad and said, ‘the party is over’. But we reminded her that we would do it again soon – and we will. I have a feeling we’re going to get our moneys worth out of those pools and water toys. It’s going to be an awesome summer.
I was extra sappy on his actual birthday – so much that I couldn’t write. But be warned, I’m sure once it mellows a bit, it will all come spilling out of my heart sooner or later. Until then, here are way too many pictures since I can now add one more person who claims to enjoy looking at every single one of them (Thanks Auntie Wanda).
