Today you turned one. I feel as though this birthday snuck up on us because, um, didn’t you just get here? Although, I have to say, even though it seems like just yesterday that you arrived, I can barely remember life without you in the picture.
In fact, none of us can. The other day, as we were discussing how babies get out of mom’s bellies, I said to Neko, “Do you remember when Ellery wasn’t here, when she was in my belly?” And she couldn’t. For she and Shep, you have always been a part of this family.
Which brings me to the thing which amazes me most. When Shep came along, it was a rough transition for Neko. She didn’t understand what was going on, but she sensed she suddenly had to share the spotlight. As your due date approached, I braced for the worst. Neko was older, and I was sure I’d hear the inevitable complaints about hating the baby and wanting me to return it back to wherever it came from. I figured Shep would have resentment about not being the baby anymore.
But from the moment you came home, they have done nothing but love you. There was no jealousy. No squabbles over the time it took to feed and change you, or the fact that you were often in my lap. It was almost effortless.
And YOU were almost effortless. Sure, there were all the duties that went along with a new baby, but in between you cooed and smiled and giggled. You happily kicked your feet and explored your toes. You only really spoke up when you were hungry or tired, and when we got that taken care of, you slid back into your happy ways.
If you had been my first, I probably would have thought all babies were like this, all self-righteously looked at others with an “I just don’t know why they can’t control their kid” attitude. And if you were my second, you probably would have been through a slew of evaluations, since, being the opposite of your sister, I would have been worried there was something terribly wrong.
But you are my third. I know to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
You remind me of my mother. You both have a way of camping in the middle of a room, barely moving a muscle, but having a complete sense of exactly what is going on in all corners. You both sit, with your legs splayed apart, and take control of the room. Of course, we don’t quite understand what you’re saying yet, but you sure seem to feel you are in charge. You both eat at the pace of a turtle, and do everything with a smile. Is it possible to reincarnate someone who is still alive?
Your birthday was celebrated with minimal fanfare. It’s not that we don’t care, but by now we know that this is just your first birthday. You have no idea what it’s all about, and with any luck, you’ve got many more to come. We bought you one gift, a small Eric Carle brown bear. In the morning, we took Neko and Shep shopping so they could each buy you a gift as well.
Neko decided to do the wrapping herself, using towels and blankets. Chele dropped off balloons, and I made cupcakes. “Ellery needs Knuffle Bunny cupcakes,” Neko told me, so I did my best to comply.
We meant to wait until after dinner to celebrate, by 4pm, Neko and Shep couldn’t stand it anymore. Everyone got candles on their cupcakes, and you got plenty of assistance opening gifts. I’m not sure you were thrilled about your cupcake. You gave it a good try, but then you just seemed mad that your hands were sticky and were ready to move on.
By the end of the night, Shep polished off more cupcakes and Neko kidnapped all your presents, and you went back to happily playing with some spoons and pans. Which is just so very like you. And I love every little bit of it.
Happy birthday, little one.