The Howl & Moon: July 2015

Sunday was Hopper's 4th birthday so we threw him a party in the afternoon. I always wanted a summer birthday as a kid, swimming, playing tag, general outdoor merriment, but I'm realizing now that it will always be Hopper's curse that most of his friends will be on vacation for his birthday. However, with that in mind, it was spectacular to see so many people jammed in our house, eating, drinking, having a great time. And the kids were loving it. Especially Hopper. He loved playing with all the kids, getting presents, tucking in to the most fancy chocolate cake a 4 year has ever had, and most of all, feeling a little special.

It's quite unbelievable that I suddenly have this boy in my life. No more toddler, certainly nothing babyish left. His face and body are all leaned out, he runs like the wind, likes to play rough and tumble, and says things like "Mama, all the people on Earth (quizzical look), how did all the people get onto our planet? Did they come on a rocketship?"

And yet, I know there is a part of him that mourns getting older, it's that little forlorn flash in his eyes, and he lets me tickle him like a baby, and smooch him all over, and coo and rub and sniff his head. And then I know, that I will never really have to say good bye to my baby, he will always want a little bit of that from me, whether it's now at the cafe or in 10 years in the deepest privacy of our home, he will always want me to be mama. And I love that.

So I tell him, I know you're a big boy now but you will always be my Tiny Pie, and he snuggles a little closer.

Happy birthday, to the love of my life, the flutter in my chest, my sweet boy Hopper.

*Thanks everyone for all the lovely presents. He loved everything. But also especially for coming and helping to make his day special so he felt celebrated and loved. It means everything to me that he was so happy and excited and, at the end of the day, full of contentment. Thank you from the entirety of my bosom.

last night being 3

Good Morning Birthday Boy!

Nankai Express train

like daddy like son

family shenanigans

the Spidey suit on the left was a dud, refuses to wear it, BUT the bike was an amazing find, pimped out by daddy, now if only he were a bit taller!

putting together the goody bags

the arts table/the party has begun!!!

Hopper & Ophelia hiding from the bum monster

Gabrielle checking out the new animals book with the boys

Gorgeous ladies Gabrielle, Jill & Samira and S's kids Raya and Ramzy

That's right, everyone can have a go!

Samira, i need to see your photos!

so many lovely people came with presents and good cheer

Uncle Glen and cousin Jill (on right)

gift opening is serious business (with Zack and Jill)

the fanciest 4 year old's birthday cake ever, what a delicious experience

back away from Nik's ginormous knife

and the room fell silent

Happy Birthday Dear Hopper!!

yummy concentration, that dude INHALED it!

oh hi Axel

our bed is always an epicenter of explosive energy

the final result

What started as a very rainy day, turned lovely and sunny so after cake (during the sugar buzzzzz) we headed to the park. And no sand pit this time for Mr 4 Year Old, the kids played soccer and ran around in the grass field.

sometimes in opposite directions. sometimes not at all.

and then there's the inevitable shake down, the wrestling to the ground, and theft of a ball. the horror! and the tears.

and Yama brought some presents to help lighten the mood (and some great wine, thanks!)

not certain he wants a repeat of the Axel theft maneuver

COUSINS!!! (broodje Hopper = Hopper sandwich)

some of the park posse

Ophelia came in a Lightening McQueen costume, which of course endeared herself to H in immeasurable ways, then chased him wearing his armor. I think he's in love!