I’m not sure what we were thinking, but we had a definite plan in early 2014 when we decided to try to have our first baby. Our birthdays are in the spring, so why not have a late-fall baby?
Therefore, when George started making his grand appearance a week early in 2014, we missed Thanksgiving dinner with my family. On the bright side, our fridge was loaded with leftovers from both sides of the family when we got home from the hospital.
As George grew that first year, the following conversation occurred many, many times:
“Are y’all thinking of having any more kids?” asks close friend/family member/random stranger.
“We’re waiting until George turns 1, then we’ll talk about it,” we reply confidently.
Well, we were fortunate that the baby-forming process basically followed our plan (and, apparently, the Lord’s). After George turned 1, we weren’t quite ready to have the discussion, but around early spring, the baby bug bit. And, somehow, it made sense to try again for a fall bebe.
PSA to any parents thinking about family planning: The holiday season is VERY BUSY. Maybe consider spacing things out a bit. I mean, March is relatively calm. Or June? Maybe September? Not much happening in April! But November? It’s insane, so perhaps avoid planning for two November babies.
And so, with this being Olivia’s first birthday, I decided the kids could have a joint party since they’re both too young to care. Plus, our friends and family would only give up one Saturday afternoon in November—not two—for little kid birthdays.
I don’t know when or why it happened, but I knew my children would be having a birthday party featuring The Very Hungry Caterpillar when I saw a handmade, themed dress on Etsy. So, we hosted a buggy birthday party at the Music Together studio we frequent. It was perfect, because the Music Man entertained thoroughly, then cleaned up after we left. B.I.N.G.O.
I didn’t have the foresight to snap a photo, but I was super proud of the food table. I 100% copied everything from Pinterest ideas, but it came out adorably. There was a bowl of oranges and pears, which the caterpillar eats in the book. He also eats salami, sausage, and swiss cheese, all of which ended up on a cheese plate (with butterfly-shaped crackers for the win!). Applesauce pouches filled in for the book’s apples. Pickle chips (better than I expected) served as the caterpillar’s pickle snack. And in the favor boxes, I had a bag of themed candy labeled with “and that night, he had a stomachace…” I had quite a bit of fun coming up and researching cutesy ideas.
Both of my kids had a great time, even though George kept announcing, “I’m sick!” to the room (parental cringe). They both love dancing, even Olivia, as she claps along and crawls around to visit other families (something George would never do).
And now, if you’ll indulge this sentimental mama for a moment, I’d like to write little, open notes to my kiddos.
To my sweet firstborn. I can completely believe you are 3 years old. You are so quick and have such a thirst for knowledge. You’re getting a little wily in your toddler ways, especially during the 30 minutes hour after bed time. However, I’m mostly in awe of how God put you together. I can’t wait to see what you’ll learn and accomplish in the coming years. I only hope I can keep up and continue to challenge you! You are absolutely my favorite boy.
Baby Girl, you are precious, and I’m 100% convinced you’re aware of this fact. I do find it hard to believe you’re already 1. Your little face lights up when someone pays attention to you, so it’s clear you are a social butterfly in the making. You are my little firecracker, as you run hot and cold from one moment to the next. But when you tuck your head under my chin and pop that thumb in your mouth, I just melt. I love being your mommy. I hope we have a best-friend relationship in the future, and I’ll do my best to build you into a strong woman of God.
Thanks for the personal moment, reader. While motherhood is officially the hardest, most intense job I’ve ever had, it’s so much more than I expected. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving this week. We all have so much for which to be grateful.