Just Us: Fourth Birthday at Home
All that birthday party hullabaloo I wrote about happened the day before Asher’s real birthday. So on Monday, the day he really turned 4, we celebrated some more, in small ways with just the four of us. It was easy, peaceful, and special.
In the morning, Asher’s place at the table was set out with what I’ve come to think of as the birthday place mat. His birthday crown was there waiting for him (I made it last year). And I set out a big bronze bell. He was delighted when I said, “Today is your birthday! You get to ring the bell.” Asher rung in his fifth year.
The bulk of the day was normal. He went to preschool, Lucas to school. We worked. But in the evening we had a birthday dinner; Daddy cooked him sausages, as he requested. Of course there was a little more dragon cake to be had for dessert.
We used the birthday cake candles to light up the Scandinavian “party chimes.” Ian and I have had these for years, but we ran out of the 1/2 inch diameter candles and haven’t set it up for a long time. Birthday candles worked just fine, and I thought it was perfect: 4 candles, 4 years old.
There was a sweet, spontaneous hug as Lucas read the birthday message he wrote for Asher.
Finally, we gave Asher his birthday gifts from us. We believe in letting Lucas regift his old toys that he doesn’t want or play with to Asher when the time is right and Asher’s ready for them. Lucas is always very pleased to do this. This year, Lucas gave Asher some felt story boards. These were a big hit and we all played with them awhile before we got to any other presents.
Two books (The Three Snow Bears by Jan Brett and The Paper Princess Flies Again (with Her Dog) by Elisa Kleven), a rainbow bowl and scoop, four jewels, a piggy bank, a wooden car, and wooden people and animals that Ian and I made for him.
When it’s time to celebrate, our family does it right!
February 5, 2011 at 1:32 pm
Just delightful. Those boys look all set to have the warmest memories to take with them as adults. No matter what they’ll face in life, nothing can take their confidence in your love for them away.
February 6, 2011 at 9:41 pm
Xtyn, thank you. That means the world to me. xo
February 7, 2011 at 12:43 pm
Have I told you how adorable that boy is lately? Holy moly. What a heartbreaker. Happy Birthday Asher! Happy birthday mama! Happy days, happy days 🙂
February 8, 2011 at 12:37 pm
🙂 Thanks so much! I think he’s pretty special, hence all the hullabaloo. Thanks for the well wishes!