It's her party and I'll cry if I want to
Listening to: My kids and husband play video games
So last month we celebrated Rosie's first birthday. I am notoriously sentimental about milestones for my kids. I sobbed like a baby at Bear's birthday party 9 years ago. Same thing with Dee's. I just love this stage, this time of spontaneous hugs and sloppy lick kisses, of smiles that say, "You're so great! Now give me a banana." I haven't screwed them up yet, ya see.
I'd learned my lesson though, with two first birthday parties under my belt. The trick, I thought, is to not read the cards. It's the cards that getcha. So this time, as Rosie and I opened gifts I pretended to skim, and then I passed them around for all to enjoy. Yes, I thought triumphantly as my eyes remained dry. I've done it! This is one birthday party that will not reduce me to a sloppy puddle of sentimentality.
Then it was time for cake and ice cream.
Everyone piled into the dining room and we lit the candle and started singing. And as they sang to her I looked around the room and thought, "Everyone who is essential to her life, who loves her without hesitation is in this room right now celebrating HER."
Yeah. I cried like a girl. The tradition continues.
So happy birthday Rosie. Your smile, your laugh, your exuberance fills our souls. You have blessed us.
