Birthdays in the Blog

Owen's birthday was in production for several months (on and off) before the Big Day. This may seem a bit extreme since it's his 5th and not a typical milestone such as 1, 16, 18 or 21, but a few things sparked the grand production that was otherwise know as O's Big Birthday Bash. 

First and foremost, I've learned to not take the little things for granted; It's one thing when the kids' time is split between two houses in the same city, but it's COMPLETELY different when I'm literally on the other side of the country. 

Reason numbre deux for big pimpin' is, for reasons still unknown, our little dude has been talking about turning "wive" for a good six months now. At least once a week he would ask me and Hubby, "So how long before I turn wive again?"

Lastly, we're no longer poor college students focused solely on passing class and waiting for our scholarship money to come through. We've moved on and up in life, to an amazing and new chapter in our lives - this is what we've worked for, to give ourselves and our children all that we've dreamed.

So Owen and I commenced his birthday shenanigans with a walk along the gulf, it was December and had been in the 70s until, of course, we decided to go take pictures, then it was chilly so we weren't outside long. Despite the cold factor he was a trooper as usual and a complete natural in front of the camera. Ain't 'e cute?!

I also had time to get in touch with my artsy side again during the few months that I didn't have my orders and was able to spend the week days in an empty house while The Clan was in school :(, but this inspired me to make his birthday invitations myself. Each one of them were a bit different.

Owen, like everyone in our house, has a handful of nicknames (all with stories behind them) but the one I use most is "Monkey," so a monkey-themed party seemed like a no-brainer. 

Our little dude loves sugar, so I figured instead of the typical pizza or hamburger/hotdogs we'd have desserts instead. A bunch of five year olds loved the idea too, though I'm sure their parents had to bite their tongues when they saw their children were getting pumped with 99% sugar, but the way I see it, it's no different than greasy pizza or burgers.

For his 'friend' party (yes, we always have a big, everyone-you've-ever-met-can-attend party and then a smaller, more intimate 'family' party on our actual birthday) I ordered cupcakes assuming they'd 1. Either be gone by the time the party was over ooooor 2. Be easier to give away and force parents to take home so that I'm not tempted to eat cupcakes for breakfast, lunch and dinner for three days straight (you smile, but it happens every year).

O and his friends played games that brought me back to my own childhood, muched on popcorn while watching 'Santa Paws' and ate from the dessert buffet to their hearts desire. The weather was even cooperative enough (even though the forecast called for rain) to allow them to play out at the park.

I made his 'family' party cake from scratch, which is not the norm for me; usually, I just order a cake in order to alleviate what a HUGE stress making a cake seemed like it would be (and in order to focus on other details) but this year I stayed true to trying to truly outdo myself, hence, his precious monkey cake...Made with love and a few four letter words.

I scoured the net for recipes and found this (LOVE Martha, even though she could probably shank me if she wanted...btw, do you like how I called her 'Martha' as if we're BFFs). I made a few adjustments to the recipe, knowing that banana-flavored cake wouldn't fly for a big occasion so this cake was more of a visual inspiration. I made the inside of Os cake with a 'Death by Chocolate' recipe I stumbled upon (I don't remember the link). It tasted as good as it looks!

Owen is an amazing little dude and words can't even begin to express what he means to me, so I'll just say this: 

Owen, I love you so very much. You have made me smile with your first words, you've made me laugh with your first steps, you've made me cry with your first breath. You, Owen Miles, have made me proud to break the norm of a typical household of 2.5 kids. I love that I have you - baby number three. I love that you are my Rebel-Without-A-Cause, my Stinkpot, my beautiful baby boy, my Partner-In-Crime, my Monkey. I love your bright eyes and your eagerness to learn, I love the way you show us how fast you can run and how high you can swing, and as your favorite bedtime book says, "I love you as the moon loves each shining star, I love all that you will be and everything you are." Happy birthday Owen. You are, undoubtedly, LOVED.