Birthday Season

Whew!

The Ditto home survived birthday season.

I always forget what a whirlwind the month of February is and now March is just an extension of that craziness. (Thank you, James)

We kept up our usual tradition and went to Tucanos to get our free birthday meal. Two of our friends in the ward are fellow February birthday-ers, so we all went together and made it a party.

Kyle and Kristee Chandler (Lyla's parents)

Andrew and Cynthia Hollis (Maeve's parents)

To be honest, the month kind of runs together because it was so hectic. I know we also went to The Cheesecake Factory (with a giftcard) as part of our celebration. 

Andrew and I bought ourselves a T.V. for our bedroom and that was our joint birthday present. Wow, shows are so much better on a giant screen instead of on a tiny tablet in bed. 

This year I felt truly spoiled and loved on my birthday. This was a huge confidence builder. I haven't always had the best friends, even though I've put in lots of effort over the years.

I want to document all the nice things that were done for me, so I can remember how loved I felt. (Not all of these things were done on my actual birthday)

• My friend blind-folded and kidnapped me after Andrew's church-ball game. She then picked up some of my other friends and drove me to a breakfast place I've been wanting to try. Sooo yummy. She even paid for my meal!
• The primary children sang to me. (I think this has been the case for at least the last 4 years)
• Andrew picked up Cafe Rio on my birthday.
• My friends sang "Happy Birthday" to me at bachelor night.
• One of my friends picked up take-out of my choice and invited me over and our kids ran wild while I was adventurous and tried Vietnamese for the first time.
• Andrew came home with flowers and chocolate on my special day. 
• The primary president wrote me a thoughtful card, gave me delicious chocolate, and a bath bomb.
• A counselor in the presidency dropped by beautiful flowers.
• A friend sent me a long, thought-out text from across the world that said some really heartfelt things.
• My "ministering sister" brought me some lotion.
• A friend took me out to lunch at Cubby's and man, it really hit the spot. She also introduced me to their cookies which is going to be a problem.
• My sister sent me a book.
• A friend brought me Reese's Puff cereal. It didn't last a week.
• My grandma took me to lunch.
• My friend sent me a pizza giftcard.
• Andrew watched a chick flick of my choice with me. (I highly recommend Dumplin on Netflix.) I'm now in love with the song 9-5.
• My mom made my favorite meal and had a birthday dinner for me.
• My brother and his girlfriend brought over take-out and cupcakes.
• My mom came to my Piyo workout class with me!
• Andrew brought me breakfast in bed.

The list goes on. I didn't even mention the countless texts and birthday videos that were sent to me. I hesitated listing all of these kind acts people did because I don't want it to come off the wrong way. I'm not trying to brag or make anyone feel bad or left out. I was honestly overwhelmed and amazed by the friendships and relationships I have in my life at this point. This definitely hasn't always been the case, and I truly feel blessed. I have lots of thank-you cards to write and upcoming birthdays to remember. 

The last part of birthday season is the fact that James is now 2. What? 

As with any first child, he was spoiled rotten. We threw him a pizza party. Looking ahead, we definitely don't plan to go this all-out every birthday especially since we want a big family. (I'm already feeling bad for baby #2.)

There was plenty of food. I ordered a couple too many pizzas. We also had chips and salsa, soda, fruit, cupcakes, and cookies.

Please note: Pizza Hut had the best deal going at the time. Don't read into my pizza pick more than that. (I'm often asked what the best pizza place is.)

I had 2 games/activities planned for the evening. A pinata and Pin the Pepperoni on the pizza. Both were smashing successes among James and his two cousins. The adults enjoyed watching the show.

James got pretty close to the candles. I'm surprised he didn't burn his face. We did practice blowing out candles a lot in order for him to actually be able to do it on his own.

His pride and glory

James got so many presents... It was like Christmas. He was so spoiled! Nothing beat the leaf blower though... Not even the kitchen Andrew and I got him. He wouldn't put this thing down and it even caused some tears at one point. 

I love living near family. Thanks to Giggi and Go-Daddy (Grandma and Grandpa Denning), Grandma Langlois, Nana and Papa, Jeff, Lindsey, Simon, Esther, Jessica, and Chris for coming and making James feel like the center of the universe. I'm cherishing some extra time to myself while James breaks in all of his new toys.

Let the chaos dissolve, until next birthday season...