Dear Bennett,
My sugar plum. My love. My darling, buddy boo.
You’ve got a birthday party at the end of this week. Now, I understand that you don’t really know what that means yet, but I’m confident that you will in time.
Babe, you’ve changed me. Your daddy and I have hosted so many parties and concerts! Our backyard and our home have been full to overflowing with friends and loved ones, sometimes enjoying music, sometimes celebrating an occasion, sometimes showering and sometimes partying. And do you know how those events make Mommy feel?
Pooped. Utterly drained.
While I do love each and every time that we host an extravaganza, most of the time I’m actually missing half of the concert because I’m too busy making sure that people know where the bathroom is, where the ice is, where the cups are, welcoming stragglers and greeting each friend.
But now we’ve got you. And you know what my priority is for this first birthday?
Yep. It’s YOU.
So, sweetie, it’s gonna be a small, family gathering (and one honorary fairy godmother). In a world where the bigger, more public gesture sometimes translates as the most loving gesture, know that I’m shrinking the vision because I love you and I don’t want to get so caught up in hosting that I miss the small stuff.
And, babe, sometimes that’s just how we’re going to roll. You’re going to have friends whose parties are enviable, pricey and full of all sorts of the goodies of which I’ll be depriving you on a regular basis.
We will not be jealous, judgmental, resentful or embarrassed.
There might be years when we seem just like everybody else and there might be years when we’re kinda quirky, chasing after bizarre themes and activities, perhaps even leaving town.
Bennett, if Mommy does things differently than other mommies, it’s because there’s no standard in this world that exists that can trump my heart’s desire to specifically celebrate the individual that you are. I will bend over backwards to customize our life together into a joy-filled journey, full of the types of special moments that leave you whispering in awe, “You noticed!”
Much love,
Mommy
It’s the little things in life that count. š
Looking forward to this!
š
<3 Simply Beautiful.
The love that you have for your son and family is always so beautifully articulated. It’s poetic. I can’t help but be put in a good mood when I read your blog. It reminds me to be thankful and to count my blessings. You are truly inspiring!
That was so nice to read today. Thank you.
Even when doing the expected, I can imagine a little quirky, an unexpected wrinkle, a slightly different twist on what is commonly apropos. Bennett will come to love and treasure these highlights. I don’t think this babe has a boring day. What could be better!
<3 as it should be.
I cannot believe Bennett will be one this week! Happy (early) Birthday to your bouncing baby boy š I hope you have a wonderful, intimate celebration of his life and the joy he brings to the world. Regarding of the size of the party, you are a fabulous host!
Aw, shucks. Thank you!