I had vague plans to throw Brennan a real birthday party this year, but I discovered a few things this summer: 1) he still gets overwhelmed by large groups of kids, as evidenced by his behavior at the pre-school picnic; 2) current SOP for kids' birthdays involves sending all the GUESTS home with a gift; 3) planning a child's birthday party sends most mothers I know into a mania only second to wedding planning. So I decided a cupcake party at preschool sounded just fine.
All his classmates made him birthday cards, and he stood under them while we all sang "Happy Birthday" - he was actually really excited about this and jumped up at the end of the song, but somehow I managed to capture him looking skeptical. I brought stickers and blow-outs for the other kids, and everyone enjoyed licking the frosting off their cupcakes.
The birthday boy was very happy, and it was all over in about 20 minutes. Later, back at the ranch, it was time for PRESENTS!!!
There were a number of cool Thomas Train items, fun cards, college fund money, books, new goggles and swim lessons, and Brennan finally got the hang of opening wrapped gifts this year.
He also has a new batch of friends: Woody, Buzz, and Jessie. He loves watching Toy Story 2 ("Red Woody" in Brennan-ese) over and over, so when they showed up "in person" it just about blew his mind. He spent about 15 minutes on the couch just saying "Woody and Buzz, Buzz and Woody, Woody and Buzz, Jessie and Woody, Buzz and Jessie", and also stuck a small dagger in Daddy's heart when he said, "I need Bullseye!"
Lucie has spent the month of August working on her crawling skills - she's got a peculiar technique that involves pushing off from one foot, hiking her bottom up, and trying to straighten her legs. She can crawl normally, but is usually only motivated to do so when it will get her to an object she can use to pull up to standing. She's especially pleased with herself when she manages to "walk" along the side of the couch, bed, ottoman, etc. Once up, she can stand briefly without support. This baby wants to walk, god help us all.
And she went on her first carousel ride.
Roux would like to play ball more. The day Bren cracks the code on Chuck-it operation will be a banner day for Mommy. I have visions of those two wearing each other out while I sip Mai-Tais or something. I did have a nice Mommy's morning out a few weeks ago - Brennan was at school and Mei was watching Lucie so I could attend a work seminar. I had a few hours free before the lecture, so I went to Muir Woods for the first time. I can't believe it took me so long to go.
