Birth Days

As a child these were all about fun, and parties, and gifts, and being another year older. It wasn't until I had my own children that I considered the other side of the celebration: the culminating moment after months of growing and waiting, hours of toil and joyful pain, when our hopes and dreams are realized. As a mother, these days are spent in reflection, remembering every moment of the most exciting, awe-inspiring, and surreal events of my life.

And they are spent in celebration, showering my children with their favorite things and honoring the individuals they have become. In August, we celebrated Bella's birthday with a pirate party, per her request. We surprised her with a cruise aboard a local pirate ship, complete with water cannon fight and treasure hunt.

On her actual birthday, we surprised her yet again and spent the day at a water park by the ocean. Our little dare-devil loved even the most thrilling rides.

At two years old, Will is thrilled by, well, just about everything. A room full of balloons was all it took to induce squeals of glee on his birthday.

This little guy sure has come a long way. This time last year, food allergies prevented him from being able to eat just about anything. Now he enjoys all foods and can out-eat his sister! So, it was only fitting to have a "Very Hungry Caterpillar" themed dinner with family to celebrate.

We ate one of Will's favorite meals and watched while he was schooled on proper present opening by big sister, who ended up opening most of the presents for him. He showed a particular liking for Bella's card, although all of the toys were a big hit.

We topped off Will's birthday festivities with a visit to a nearby model train display, pure joy for a little boy who loves anything with wheels.

While these celebrations fulfill childhood dreams, they warm the hearts of parents just as much. We revel in the smiles, the laughter, the cake-induced crazies. And as we sink into bed, exhausted from orchestrating the big day's events, we think fondly of the moment these little people joined us earthside, and look forward to the many adventures to come.