E I G H T

Her birthday found us in a new city far from home. We had spent the last three days in the car, but she was unfazed. She had already celebrated twice with her grandparents and then her aunt, uncle and cousins at home. A pogo stick was her gift along with a "pretty" Barbie, a wall hanging and clothes. The best part here in D.C. was hearing "Happy Birthday" sung while donning a sombrero at the local chain Mexican restaurant. All very much in line with who she is.

This eighth birthday finds us with a continued delight in Aine- full of passion and strong feelings. She loves deeply and hurts just the same. She is quick with a smile and makes many feel right at home. Her love of children remains and the younger girls all love her in our homeschooling group. She will help with all the babies and loves to mother. Her style too is all her own. Recently she decided on bangs. She marched right up to the stylist and told her she wanted bangs. The stylist was reluctant, but Aine hasn't stopped grinning over her new 'do. She accessorizes and creates ensembles that dazzle and at times amaze with bright colors and fashions. She loves her cousin's hand me downs which are much more cool than her mama bought "cute" clothes. A song is always in her heart and often on her lips. All of life has a soundtrack if you asked her and she will sing it for you too.

Our Aine is amazing - lovely both inside and out. We are so happy she is part of our family. she brings passion, humility, love and kindness to our every day. We love you Miss Aine and wish you the happiest of birthdays and upcoming years.

Friends and Family

It was a weekend full of friends, family and each other.
* I joined in a walk along side my good friends to support one of us and her teenage (wow!) son as they live, learn and love with epilepsy.
* Later an evening walk with the family. Two on scooters and one on a bike zipping and zooming along the bike path as the adults relished a few moments for talking. Everyone perfected pull-ups, flips, jumps and stretches at each of the exercise stops. The weather is cooling off and the evening was beautiful.
* Early morning decorating in recognition of a milestone birthday. Thirty two balloons were blown up and hung along with streamers and signs.
* Boisterous play with siblings and cousins filled the air. Forts were assembled, costumes were donned, wildflowers were planted and minecraft was played.
* A baby was cuddled and held as she slept making up for the time I missed when she was born. She is getting so big so fast, but is just so precious right now.
* Dave made the delicious meal. Leftovers were few. A rousing chorus of Happy Birthday was sung to the delight of all.
*The evening ended with a talent show complete with the Hokey Pokey led by the birthday girl.

It was a good weekend.

Turning it Around

To celebrate his birthday, Eamon wanted to go to the aquarium. Dave mentioned wanting to go as well, so we decided to save that trip for the weekend. Instead of the aquarium on his actual birthday, he settled on a trip to the zoo. He especially wanted to check out the invertebrates.

After a very early wake up for him, we waited for the other kiddos to awaken. Once up, breakfasted and dressed, we took off for the metro. Eamon did not eat any breakfast and decided mid-morning that he didn't want to go to the zoo. We talked about checking it out and leaving if it was horrible. Nope. He wanted to eat out and stay home. Since we had already decided on our adventure we forged ahead.

Eamon was grumpy. He was curt with his grandparents when they each called to wish him a happy birthday. I offered food from my bag, but he didn't want any. A dark cloud had settled over his person, and he didn't want to shake it.

The day was not proceeding as planned. After making a bathroom break, we regrouped. I asked what was really the problem, and he explained that he wanted to go out for breakfast. He was hungry. His head also hurt, since while I was in the bathroom he fell off the railing. I again offered what food we had. He begrudgingly took half a sandwich. I gave him a big hug and held him.

Only you can turn this day around. Are you wanting to do that? Or should we go home?

With a sigh and a sniffle, he stood up and said he wanted to go a bit further, so Aine could see the pandas.  We saw a popcorn vendor. Scrounging in the bottom of my bag, I found some money, and we bought a bucket (D.C. note to self - carry cash). 

Walking through the Asian Trail the day turned around. With popcorn in his belly, Eamon became a totally new person. Aine spotted the Giant Panda rolling in the back of the enclosure. We stood and watched it for a bit, jumping between rocks and finishing the popcorn. Eamon started laughing and joking again. 

As we left the trail, I asked if he was ready to go home. Nope. This is the best time. Alright then. 

We meandered through the next few exhibits and animal houses. Benton played in the misters. I was amazed at how many people hollered at their children to get out of the water. It was only misting water. It dries. The kids were having so much fun - laughing and giggling. Benton was oblivious to it all as he focused on catching water in his bucket.

We grabbed a bit more to eat and were able to view the octopus during feeding time. We sat amid a room of butterflies and marveled at the anatomy of an Elephant Shrew. The rest of the zoo was saved for a later day since little legs were tired and mama's shoulders could not carry him further.

A quick ride home on the metro found Dave waiting for us. Eamon wanted Noodle and Co for dinner. His main driving factor was the super cool soda machine. It has a bazillion choices on a touch screen. He really wanted to check it out, and it WAS his birthday. A stop at the candy store on the walk back was followed by cake at home. Return calls were made to family that called during the black cloud crisis. 

Much better spirits as the day ended. A tumultuous start ended quite well. Welcome nine! I know it will be great.

Nine

He awakens at 6am to say goodbye to his daddy. Shaggy haired, long legged and oh so sleepy. He creeps to the closed bathroom door. Just a quiet little knock. Hi, Daddy. Good Morning, Bud. I wanted to say good-bye to you before you left. A hug and then a gentle, Happy Birthday. Slowly he walks back to me, cuddles up next to me on the couch. You really should go back to bed. A huge hug is given. Then, Happy Birthday my sweet, sweet Eamon.

Celebrations

The last week has been busy. The first four months of the year find our family celebrating a whole host of birthdays. March is especially full with Dave and me at the beginning and Benton at the end.

Dave started the celebrations. We were joined by his parents who were able to escape chillier climes for our beautiful weather. We had a home cooked meal and a delicious cake (from A Homemade Life: Stories and Recipes from My Kitchen Table by Molly Wizenberg). My parents also joined us and came bearing an ice cream cake as well. Both were delicious. Presents were then given and appreciated.

My birthday fell later in the week, and it was a big one (the big 4-0). First thing I was presented with gifts. Aine was so excited to have me open her special gift. She insisted Dave take her shopping the previous weekend. While out she bought me a new comb. It was a very heartfelt gift of which she was so proud. The three of them also gave me a book I have been eyeing, An Everlasting Meal: Cooking with Economy and Grace (you can tell I am on a food kick with all the cookbooks). The kiddos had a field trip scheduled that I didn't want them to miss in the morning. The whole family plus Dave's dad (his mom was not feeling well) ventured out to a goat farm. After the field trip, we headed home. Dave had planned an evening out for us. We had a delightful dinner at Centurion restaurant followed by the theater. We shared wine and good conversation. It was so nice to spend the evening with him and discuss our upcoming adventures.

After the real festivities, we had more cake to celebrate. My father in law has a birthday in March as well, and he really liked the cake. I think he pretended it was for me, but I think we all knew the truth! I blew out candles and was serenaded. Forty is turning out to be pretty good.

7 is Big

Our weekend was spent celebrating sweet Aine's birthday. Her celebration was a unique one this year. Typically we venture out on a day of her choosing, but this year there was a wrinkle. Dave sprained his ankle on Thursday and was unable to walk great distances. Undeterred Aine came up with a new plan. After a special dinner at "pa-chote-lay" (Chipotle for the uninformed), we came home for cake and a family movie. A tummy ache interfered with Aine's movie watching and later that night she vomited. The next day was spent quietly as she continued to feel crummy.

Through it all, Aine remained her happy, positive self. She truly is a magical little girl. She did not complain about her odd celebration. Each obstacle was taken in stride. She enjoyed whatever the day brought and never really complained. In all she does, Aine approaches her life with pleasure.

Aine is a vivacious wonder, delighting people everywhere she goes. This year has brought growth and adventure for Aine. She continues to love those around her deeply. She has matured and is better at channeling her strong emotions. She also is getting better at dealing with her brothers and using her words when confrontation arises. Babies continue to enthrall her, and you can often find her around the smaller people helping the mamas out. With a style all her own, she embraces the world. No one could ever call her reserved.

This past year has brought so many changes for our little girl. Dave and I keep say to one another, "Seven is big." I know seven will bring grand things for our dear sweet girl. Seven is big, and I know Aine will pull it off with finesse.

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.