Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Happy Birthday, Katie!

p style="visibility:visible;">

Katie: Big hug, little hug. What begins with hug?
Mommy: Love.
Katie beams at Mommy and they give each other a warm hug and kiss at bedtime.



I cannot believe that my baby is four years old already. Where did the time go? All day yesterday I was flashing back to memorable moments of her through the years. She has grown up so much!


Since Katie’s birthday fell on a Monday, we had her parties on the weekend. I knew that it would be too overwhelming if we did everything at once. So, on Saturday we had her friend party. It was inside the Carousel Building of the Beardsley Zoo. Guests rode the merry-go-round four times, made animal-shaped picture frames, had lunch, and participated in an animal encounter. Katie asked for a bunny. The staff surprised us and not only had a bunny, but also their new turtle from Russia. It was like The Tortoise and the Hare right in front of us! The children enjoyed it very much. When it came time to blow out her candles and make a wish, Katie said she did not want to make a wish. She felt she already had everything for which she could ever wish. I could not be more proud of how she is becoming such a humble, unselfish and moral person.


Saturday also brought another surprise…one of the worst storms the county has seen in decades. Yup, torrents of rain fell upon us. The Norwalk River flooded cars in parking lots. Rings End, less than a mile down the road, was under water when we drove past it early Sunday morning. The deluge of rain was coupled with 70 mph winds. Power outages caused by falling trees occurred everywhere. Many schools are still out today and it is Tuesday! Every which way we turned to get home from the zoo was blocked off. There were not enough emergency crews to handle all the damage. We even saw a huge tree land on top of a car! By the time we got home, it was 4:45 pm. Phillip dozed off. Peter, who never naps, crashed on the couch and was out within seconds. Katie summed it up best when she said to me, “I am happy for my presents. I want to see what’s inside, but I just want to go to bed.” And with that, she changed into her comfy and cozy pajamas before crawling into our bed for a short nap while I made a light dinner.


Sunday we ventured out to my grandmother’s house for the family party. The driving was okay. It rained until we got just outside of Vernon. State workers were still clearing trees off the Merritt Parkway when were on it. The drive back was better as we took 91 to 95 in order to avoid the single lane movement on the Merritt.


Grandma made Katie a beautiful sweater with a matching hat. It is so soft. Katie has rarely taken it off since receiving it! My mother came over and we all shared a nice supper. Katie loved all her presents and kept commenting to me that it was such a wonderful birthday. On the car ride home, Katie and Phillip played their own version of “Keep Away” with the animal Katie received from Mom. Their giggles made Peter and I smile. It made the time on the road disappear.


Since yesterday was Katie’s actual birthday, we had a perfectly quiet and calm family dinner at home. Mom and our neighbors called to wish Katie a happy birthday. Peter called from work to talk to her just before he headed home. Katie, while admiring the tablescape, said, “Ooooo! It is just so beautiful. It is the loveliest party ever, ever. The beautifulest! I just love it, Mommy! I love my beautiful party.” The table was bedecked with princesses (of course). When Katie saw her presents from us, she commented, “There are princesses on my presents, too!” referring to the wrapping paper. We shared a meal, played with our Princess Tiana party blowers, and laughed. As she was enjoying cake, it was my turn to serenade Katie with songs I created just for her. She swayed in her seat to the music and Phillip piped in several times with an enthusiastic “Happy!” More giggles, more fun.


Phillip was so cute at bedtime. After I put him to bed, I heard him chattering. Turns out he was singing “Happy Birthday” in his own toddler way. What a fitting ending for such a perfect evening!


My baby is four years old already. Since she did not make her wish when blowing out candles, let me make one for her. I wish that she remains the “beautifulest” inside and out her whole, long, healthy, peaceful and blessed life.

No comments:

Post a Comment