Birthday Extravaganza & Surprises

Growing up birthdays were always a big deal. Extended family and close family friends would gather at our house for a meal, presents and cake. And every other year there would be a "kid" party, where we did an activity and could invite our friends. Each year it was spectacular. 

It's a tradition I hope to continue with our family and we got the chance of a birthday extravaganza with Andrew's 3rd birthday.

I have to admit, I was a bit bummed as the doctors cautioned us from having a "kid" party or one with a lot of people. We decided it was definitely worth it to keep Alexander safe. And despite not having any other guests his age, I think it was just as fun. 

We started out the celebration with being the lucky guests at the Kardel farm - along with all of Andrew's grandparents, uncle Tim, and his nanny, Jaclyn. Andrew got to ride 2 different tractors and a mower, followed by seeing live turkeys! He couldn't have been more thrilled!! Then we headed back to our house for lunch, Dairy Queen ice cream cake and presents.

My parents stayed the night and we laid low and played hard. Sunday night we took Andrew to his first concert (that wasn't his uncle TIm). It was a band, Anderson East, that Andrew heard often with his nanny and he had a blast.

Then the actual birthday, he awoke to a present and a special breakfast. Then a special lunch at Chick-fil-a and a visit to the park - yes, it was just like the day he was born, warm and windy. Then a special dinner and more ice cream cake. Quite the day!

I remember the day that my first baby was born well. It was calm, easy, and full of excitement and love. He now loves coffee ice cream, reading Berenstein Bear books and listening to stories about fixing construction vehicles.  He says things like "ahh shucks" and "it's okay, accidents happen" and even, "you don't have to freak out mom". He's an old soul stuck in my now three year old's body.

Andrew wrapped up his 3rd birthday by thanking us, not in the typical way, but in his own way - asking me to rock him and cuddle. My talkative, independent and crazy 3-year-old doesn't like to cuddle or even show very much affection, so this was a special surprise for me. It definitely took me back three years ago when we would rock him, cuddle him and he would fall asleep in our arms.