This year we had to step it up. The past two birthdays, we've celebrated Elisa's big day with family in Spain. While Abuela and the crew slaved away making dinner and buying cake and champagne and lots of presents, Nacho and I relaxed and pretty much just showed up. I felt a little bit guilty, but really, the kid had no idea it was her birthday and so not getting any presents from us (besides two very pricey plane tickets!) wasn't a deal breaker. She loved us anyway. But this year, with the arrival of Carolina coming just weeks before the big 3, I figured it wouldn't hurt to shower Elisa with lots of love and well, yes, presents. Since both Abuela and Grandma and Grandpa are in town, it was going to be a family affair all around and it didn't hurt that we had a morning with her in preschool to decorate and add the final touches. The dining room became Party Central and I think the surprise was well worth the wait...
To her credit, Elisa was attentive to all the presents she received. In fact, at several points I had to prod her to keep opening them and we took several breaks so she could play with the Play Doh, new dolls, and watch a bit of Toy Story 2. She seemed to be taking it all in and loving every minute of this birthday bonanza. At one point, she looked up at the balloons and decorations and said a heartfelt "thank you" for her birthday party. It was such a sweet recognition of all that went into this special day and it made me realize how fortunate we are that beneath all the normal preschool mood swings, we have a very thoughtful girl. Of course, the party hat she requested was not a hit (until almost bed time when she decided to finally wear it) and I think she bypassed the paints and art supplies for more fun with the Toy Story characters, but all told, Elisa reacted just how I hoped she would. She laughed and played and really seemed to bask in the birthday glow. And on Saturday, we get to celebrate again with all of our friends and family at the park as we fete a total of 7 August 2008 babes. It will be another reason her birthday this year is different from other years. Being home because of Carolina's arrival and having the chance to join our friends for the festivities just makes it feel like the birthday girl has matured. She is the big sister and the preschooler with her own crowd. I love seeing this metamorphosis and I can't wait to see what the year ahead brings us as a family. Love multiplied and so much more world to share.
1 comment:
Love it. She looks so happy. And you look great, BTW!
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