My birthday begins the birthday train at our house. After my 30th on Sept. 8th, Danny turned six on September 16th. Then Jake turned eight on October 16th. Both boys woke up to a house full of decorations, donuts for breakfast, and a day where they could play computer/video games as much as they want (SCORE). Other than that, we tried to keep both events fairly low-key with just a favorite dinner at home with the fam, and then some of our close-by relatives coming over for cake and presents.
“Low key” is a relative term though, especially when you are 7 plus months pregnant and playing hostess to an additional 7 to 10 people. For both “parties” I don’t think I sat down for the entire day. Something I paid for by the end of Jake’s big night with big swollen ankles and feet, one SO painful that I had to ice it for two hours after and was worried I might have a blood clot thanks to my horrendous varicose vein situation. Luckily, everything was much better by morning. I learned my lesson though. No more running around like a crazy person ALL DAY LONG. Even if it means my floor is not freshly mopped, or we don’t have the right kind of ice cream, or the new bike doesn’t get the big pretty bow on it.
It’s hard to not want a perfect day though for what I think are pretty perfect kids. Well, most of the time. Some of the time?… Haha. Well, they are perfect at being mine, and pretty good at being cute too. I’m so proud of both of my boys. They are so good and smart and growing up so much every day…
I can’t believe Jake was born EIGHT years ago. Then again, I can’t imagine life without him. His labor and delivery were a nightmare, as were about the first 3 months of his babyhood. He was not easy. But he was totally worth it. And I love how much of his personality was already bundled up inside that angry little cone-head upon arrival. Jake likes to do things his own way and on his own schedule… and if you don’t like his opinion on the matter, good luck trying to change it. He is clever, determined, and diligent and he keeps us on our toes! And he has the cutest smile and rosy cheeks. I have such a crush on him.
For his birthday he scored a big erector set, legos, some crafty stuff, a wad of cold hard cash, a new watch, and piano books for him to start up piano lessons with Mom. His preferred dinner was pigs in a blanket (gourmet stuff here people) and a Halloween decorated homemade chocolate sheet cake (Pioneer Woman’s recipe) for dessert. Mmmm, good choice.
And while Jake tends to be a little more deliberate about things – Danny lives life with a sort of carefree enthusiasm which is infectious. And can also be loud, reckless, and injury inducing. Especially since he is HUGE and also has horrible vision, and tends to be accident prone. The kid has a lot of energy these days. Which is one of the reasons we spent the day hunting down the perfect new bike for his birthday. He was dwarfing his old one. So we found one just like Jake’s, but a different color, and for a great price (thanks to some haggling at Wal-mart). Yes people, everything is negotiable! Danny was thrilled and so appreciative. He hopped right on and zoomed away.
He is so sweet and easy. Has been since the day he was born, including his labor and delivery. Danny was a laid back and generally happy baby. As long as you kept him well fed, he never complained much. Guess some things never change. 😉 He also scored some books, Bakugans, and the hot commodity of cash for his bday. Danny’s meal of choice was pizza, root beer, and chocolate cake with ice cream for dessert.
Again, I could pretend that I don’t really get excited about pigs in a blanket or pizza for dinner… but I’d be lying. 🙂 Same goes for birthday breakfast donuts. Now, I’m off to eat some leftover cake. Next post: Lindsay and baby’s room re-do. It’s almost done, and I’m loving it!
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