The Boy Who Turned Two

There once was a boy who turned two.

He happend to be the youngest in a family of five children.

The special day happened to be the Monday following a very large snow storm, snow days, and valentines day.

Sunday night his mother realized that not only did she not have a present for him, but she didn't even have any balloons to decorate the house with or for him to play with.  Luckily she had a friend she could call who had balloons to share.  This unprepared mother sat back on this birthday eve and watched as her oldest three children spent an hour decorating the kitchen, stairs and the two year old's door for his birthday.  She also looked on as each of the birthday boys siblings searched the house to wrap up just the perfect present for him.   Abby and McKenna both came up with stuffed animals, Zachary gave him a basketball and Gavin gave him a choo choo train.

His birthday fell on a day when his mother and oldest sister where gone all day long at a volleyball tournament.  They did stop at Target on the way home to get a couple of things for him...including wrapping paper that wasn't Christmas themed!

Because his mother was gone the entire day of his birthday, this birthday boy has an amazing sister who pulled out a cake mix from the pantry and made him a birthday cake.

Just as the guilt for being unprepared, for not being there all day, and for not making a over the top detailed themed cake began to creep in, that mother of his had a "ah-ha" moment.  It's not always about what she does for her children that help them feel loved, important and special.  Sometimes it's more about creating and having opportunities for siblings to be there for each other, serve each other, and look for ways to make each other happy.  It's about siblings being friends.  Because the relationships they have with each other are critical.  

The boy who turned two had a great birthday.  He felt loved and special.  He opened multiple presents. He blew out the candles on his cake.  He played with balloons all day and pulled down the crepe paper that was everywhere.  And not because of his mother did, who loves him dearly, but because of what his siblings did who also love and adore him.  Those siblings of his who light up when he comes running to them when they walk in the door.  Who giggle and laugh as they play with him.  Yep, this boy who turned two is the youngest in a busy family.  But man oh man, is he ever an important part of that family.  

Grayson, I am grateful every day for the way in which you complete our family!  No more will I ever measure the age of a child by number of months.  You have brought that stage to an end.  Your love and enthusiasm for life is contagious.  You help us all discover the joy of simple things.  Happy Birthday buddy!  We love you.

Now...bring on the two year old!