The Thing About Birthdays
It's all about the food and family. You can keep the socks.
We all know how to have a happy birthday party: find some food, some drink, some family and friends - and a good dose of denial - because there’s no way that you’re that old already - and ta-da! You have a birthday party
Time tends to go by fast when you count backwards.
Because it’s her birthday tomorrow and I am a good son-in-law I went out and bought my mother-in-law a bouquet. Sure, it’s her birthday tomorrow but she also volunteered to take care of the child for 10 days while BW and I are home alone, so this is more of an insufficient bribe - or perhaps a thank you - or just to make sure she doesn’t change her mind before I can get out of town.
While I was out running errands, she also asked me to pick her up some toilet paper while I was out and I agreed because, hey - it’s her birthday! Nothing says celebrate your birthday like 48 rolls of TP.
Of course, the child thought the birthday party was all about her and she was treated as if she were the guest of honor with more swimming and lots of talking and of course - eating. She was ready to go to bed early tonight because she was exhausted after a full day.
The thing about birthdays I am finding is it becomes less and less about you. It’s about the little ones and getting all 3 grandchildren in the same room. That’s the gift. Not the bouquet, or another pot holder or socks. It’s about getting a bit of help to blow out the candle from a grandchild because little kids can’t count that high so you can get away with 3 candles and call it close enough.
Happy Birthday Abuela,
The Child and Co.