This Reminds Me

Archive for February 2nd, 2008

We celebrated Julia’s eighth birthday today at the neighborhood Chuck E. Cheese with classmates and fellow basketball stars.

Julia and good friend Elina loved the “shocking” gorilla machine.

When they weren’t investing in fine art….

Rachel and Lois created personalized treat totes and hats….

…and gave me a hard time because I bought fruit snacks and cereal mix to stuff them.  I tried to buy candy – I really did – but just couldn’t.  They get so much sugar everywhere.  I just couldn’t buy more.

Hannah wandered the game floor, dispensing more tokens to guests.  Note:  If you’re going to have a Chuck E. Cheese party, be sure to enroll in their permission marketing about two weeks ahead.  You’ll get great e-coupons designed to stim a visit, but you can use them for your party.

A few hours of this and you’ll know it’s 5 o’clock somewhere.  I don’t think Rachel had actually been in a Chuck E. Cheese since she was a pre-schooler in Houston.  The first birthday party she attended there – she cried because it was so loud.  Sarah took her to the next one and left early for the same reason.  Of course now, she listens to rock at mega decibels (shudder.)  Many historians believe vaccinations are the great invention in human history, but I think the parents of teens would argue “ear buds.”

“I wish I could take a long nap.”  Oops, no, wait!  That was my wish.

Julia’s wonderful teacher – the sainted Ms. Jones – arrived in time for cake.  I don’t know what she makes.  But it’s not enough.

A giant rat….hmmm….I think I dated his brother.

Last night, Keith took Julia on her birthday date (each girl gets one.)  They went for pizza after discovering the chosen Chinese food restaurant didn’t have her favorite egg drop soup.  For her gift (each girl gets to pick out her own, within reason), she selected a Build-A-Bear huskie (“Jake”)  and softie Daddy also bought him clothes and a tent.  She snuggled next to Jake last night to go to sleep, and was talking to him when she awoke.  She ran to the neighbors to show him off.

We’re coming up on our two-year anniversary of meeting Guanna-to-be-Julia.  She’d never had a toy of her own.  She’d never tasted pizza.  She’d never opened a gift.  She didn’t know when her birthday was.  And she sure didn’t have a family to help her celebrate it.

Celebrating a birthday is basically saying, “I’m glad you were born.”   And for some children, you also get to say, “I’m glad you came home.”   Because home is where the heart is.

Happy Birthday, baby girl!