Big Kid Birthday Party

Turner had his first ever big kid birthday party. His first two birthday parties, by sharp comparison, were baby Turner parties. Big kid parties are marked, as you will read, by their haste. Also, they are so much more active. Before, it was the adults rushing around watching Turner. Here, it is the kids rushing around totally ignoring parents who rush behind them wishing to be involved. Some things I learned this bithday season.

1. There is no need for cake at a big kid birthday party - I started baking during Turner's nap yesterday and was still in the kitchen at 11 last night (I was putting his cake in the oven). Thirty-four chocolate cupcakes with Ci Ci's chocolate icing, and no one noticed that I forgot the knife to cut the cake.

2. There is promise of candles, fire, and chocolate - Turner has been motivated through his chores (shower, washing hair, getting dressed, breakfast) today by the promise of birthday treats later in the day. When popped down the stairs at 7:30 this morning, his first question was "Can I have one of those now?" I'm not sure what "one" referred to. It could have been the cupcakes hidden under aluminum foil, the goody bags sprayed across the bar, or the pitcher of lemonade on the table sporting a super cool button to push. My eyes were averting from thing to thing trying to ascertain what I needed to do next to prepare. Andy, as if from habit at this point, said the words on the tip of my tongue, "No Turner. You can have it once we get to your party."

3. Big boy parties are at a faster pace - OK, so we wake up, we eat breakfast, we go to the gym, we get home from the gym, we get into the shower, we get into clothes, we starting loading one vehicle, Andy loads another vehicle while I go to the balloon store, we all arrive at party location at its exact start time, we throw things on tables while Turner plays with some of his friends, we play (fly kites, feed ducks, chase, blow bubbles, draw on the sidewalk, play with the lemonade pitcher), Andy hangs the pinata like an acrobat, we eat, we drink, Turner blows out make believe fire on a candle too surrounded by wind to take light, we smoosh gobs of chocolate in our faces, Turner plays some more, Turner hits the pinata, we laugh a lot, we help pick up candy, we starting hugging departing guests, I shove cupcakes on plates for those leaving, friends start packing things up, we carry stuff to car, we give Turner his bike from us, I watch him squeal as he pedals his legs up and down though he goes nowhere, we hug goodbye to those remaining, we drive home, we take naps.

4. The best birthday celebrations are ongoing. This week Turner will receive his packages from CiCi & D, Nannie & PaPa, and Chiara. No doubt everyday he will have a new card or a new box to explore. On Wednesday, we'll have another birthday cake, chicken nuggets (yes, a boy much like La La), and miniature golfing.

5. Our little boy was as well-behaved today as I have ever seen him be...which is saying a lot because he is normally pretty perfect when we need him to be. He used his manners all day. I heard him say "Ma'am" to more than one mom (to their delight and mine). He shared all of his toys. He was happy to pass out cupcakes and be the last to get one. He offered chips to all his friends, overcome with excitement that his folks were letting him have chips. He took his turn with the pinata and was not upset when others stepped in front of his turn. He offered me the sweetest, "Thank you Mom" when I put him to bed for a nap. As he rode his bike until sunset he said everything I needed to know with the greatest, biggest smile ever. I wish his birthday could last forever.