One and Four

Having celebrated the previous two birthdays in Cleveland, Ohio with the sweet simplicities of family, cake, candles and the familiar tune of "Happy Birthday," I knew I wanted to treat the little man to a rockin' good time, inviting family and many friends to celebrate his fourth year of life.  And, with the littlest turning one just seven days prior, it seemed fitting that we celebrate this fantastic duo together, superhero-style. Inspired by their Halloween costumes, we brought Gotham to Milwaukee, celebrating in style at Doc and Mimi's home.  Their basement has been our familiar stomping grounds for years, as we celebrated the little lady turning one, two, and three years old and the little man's first birthday.  And, so it was with great enthusiasm that we gathered celebrating milestones one and four. 

  



 

I love planning each aspect of a party, specifically the opportunity to plan and personalize a party celebrating one of our children.  With each paper product purchased and cupcake stand constructed, the little man's bright eyes sparkled as he awaited his Batman party.  In our household, turning four also earns you the privilege of chewing gum for the first time.  Watching our sweet boy scan the gum rack in search of the perfect birthday gum, peeling back the silver foil, unwrapping his first piece of orange Trident tropical gum and popping it into his mouth will forever be one of my favorite memories of his big day.  With pride and sweet satisfaction he chomped all afternoon, stopping only to consume pizza and cake.  Treating the gum as his personal party favor, he politely offered a stick to each partygoer, not wanting anyone to miss out on the explosion of tropical flavor he was experiencing. When I look back at pictures of this special day years from now, I will surely scan each snapshot for his upturned smile, and the bit of orange displayed with each smile for the camera. 

 

 

 

 And, no Batman party would be complete without a Robin.  It is my hope that years from now, when the littlest looks back on pictures from her first birthday she will not question my decision to put her in a boy's Halloween costume when her older sister got to wear a pink personalized "1" t-shirt.  She spent her big day being passed around from each family member, smiling.  She loves a crowd, and the party did not disappoint.  And, when the time came to experience her first bites of frosted banana cake, she did not disappoint.  Looking to me for "permission to proceed," she glanced between the cake and my excited face, before picking up the cake and taking her first messy bite. 

 

 

When I look at our littlest lady it is still sometimes difficult to contain my tears of gratitude.  She is a bright spot in my day, a cheerful and ever accepting bundle of joy.  From her plump cheeks to expressive and searching eyes, she brings peace and comfort to my days, and fills our home with sweet and satisfying love.  

 

 

My heart was full that day, as I looked around the room into the faces of family and faithful friends who came to celebrate our fantastic duo.  Our celebration would not have been complete without them, their love and continuous support.