Happy Birthday, baby girl!

 

Who would not enjoy a week of birthday celebrations? As our family embarked on Riley’s birthday week, I realize celebrating for week might be the best way to go. First, we hosted Riley’s birthday party on Easter Sunday, since the entire family would be together.  The food, which Dean and I worked very hard to prepare, was appreciated by Riley; however, she had more important things on her mind. The purple princess cake was a priority. It was fancy enough for our little princess, as well as very tasty. Of course, in Riley fashion, she ate the frosting and left the cake on her plate. Who doesn’t love a little birthday frosting?

Finally, the presents… She was so excited for the presents. How do you teach a five year old to realize that birthday celebrations don’t always have to involve presents? Whenever someone spoke of her birthday, she rattled on about her birthday present list.

“I have a birthday list. Do you want to see it?” Riley would inquire, in a very matter-of-fact voice.

Of course, Dean and I would follow up Riley’s inquiry with, “Just because it is your birthday, does not require people give you a present.”

“I know, but I do have a birthday list.” Riley would innocently respond.

Yes, Riley’s logic is sound, but our original statement remains true. Just because it is your birthday, does not mean people are required to give you a present. Could you imagine Dean and I, as adults, sharing our personal birthday lists with friends and family? The unsolicited presentation of a birthday list would be weird, as well rude. Back to the original question, how do you teach a five year old to realize that birthday celebrations don’t always have to involve presents? Well, at five years old, her behavior comes across as very cute to everyone, so we have time to work on helping Riley understand the concept that birthdays don’t always require presents. Now, if she is 30 years old and presenting her birthday list to friends and family, I will be a bit concerned. Riley did appreciate the presents she received from friends and family, and has been playing with the toys all week, as well as dressing up in all her new clothes.

Of course, a birthday would not be complete without an opportunity to share treats at school. Riley helped bake birthday cupcakes for her classmates in 4K. In actuality, she dumped the ingredients into the mixer and moved the mixer knob; mixing all the ingredients together. I took on the responsibility of filling the cupcake pan with batter, as well as frosting all the cupcakes. The best part was presenting her classmates with the cupcakes and wearing a birthday crown at school.

The birthday week continued with a trip to Build-a-Bear with Riley’s Godmother, Emily. Riley returned home with a bunny, dressed in fancy girl clothes. Furthermore, she named her bunny, Frosting in Spring. Not Frosting, not Frosting Leisgang, but Frosting in Spring. Go figure, Riley has a mind of her own. She has spent the days following the Build-a-Bear experience dressing and re-dressing her bunny.

Finally, April 5^th, her actual birthday was very quiet. Everyone spent the evening at home. Noah was sleeping on the couch, trying to sleep away an unexpected illness. Riley continued to dress and re-dress her build-a-bunny. Finally, Dean and Riley wrapped up the evening to visit Riley’s birthday twin, Aunt Eileen.

Celebrate your birthday for a day or week, which is better? I am not sure. However, if you ask Riley, she would respond that her birthday week was extremely special.