Party June 26, 2009
Wednesday was my birthday and I woke up that morning thinking about my childhood. My mom always made a big deal over our birthdays. Even though she has seven children, she managed to make an elaborate baby book for each one of us, and our particular book would always be sitting out on the kitchen table first thing that morning. Then she’d make French toast or pancakes for breakfast, put a few together in a stack, and load it up with candles. We’d all sing and my mom would take an excessive amount of pictures. By the time the birthday kid actually blew the candles out, the pancakes were usually coated with wax. But we still did that same little ritual for every kid, every year.
Sky’s first birthday is coming up next month and I’m ridiculously excited. My mother-in-law brought over a little cake pan for me so I can bake a separate miniature cake, just for Sky to destroy. We’ve already talked about who we’ll invite and possible themes. (I want to do a princess party, but Ad’s not so into that. “Do we really want to encourage that kind of thinking?” he says.) Obviously, at age one Sky won’t even be aware of what’s happening. The day could slip by unnoticed and she wouldn’t care at all. But even though she’s young, I want to start teaching her that her family loves her and we’re happy she’s one of us.
And I’ll be honest. The party’s not just for Sky. Becoming parents has been a major adjustment. This past year has been harder than we anticipated. So for her birthday I feel like we, her mom and dad, deserve a party too. Is this how all new parents feel? I guess it’s a small thing – surviving year one. I can’t even think about all that the coming years might hold or I’ll be completely overwhelmed. All I know is that right now, one year feels like a substantial accomplishment. So on July 22nd we’ll be celebrating at our house.
You two absolutely deserve to celebrate! Year One has been a HUGE adjustment after years of waiting and deserves to be rejoiced over in whatever way you like. I love the princess party idea – Ad doesn’t have to wear a costume if he doesn’t want! Or maybe a jungle them or a clouds-and-sun-and-rainbows-and-other-miraculous-weather-phenomena theme in keeping with her name and her birth story. I know you guys will think of something fun and it will be a day to remember, no matter what.
And even though Sky won’t remember her first birthday herself, when she’s older she’ll be able to look back at the story of your long wait and her miraculous arrival and all the journals and photos and celebrations of her existence and know without any doubt how very, very loved she is.