"You're growing up so fast"

"You're growing up so fast, it seems like just yesterday you turned 30".... that is what William told me as he sewed a birthday crown for me (all by himself!).  

I got to wear the crown to my free breakfast at the Northside Grill here in town.  It was a good exercise in self consciousness as I also wore it to the thrift store next door.  For my birthday we picked up another sled, the complete set of Little House on the Prairie and a wool dress for to refashion.  Henry got to join us and as always it is a treat to have time alone with just one child.

But what I want to remember about this outing is looking back at him alone in the car it hit me that he is a little clone of Paul, complete with a happy countenance and big blue eyes.  These little moments of realization often bring tears to my eyes and this time I had a camera in hand to capture it.  

Paul chauffeured me to Zingermans to pick up the next birthday freebie of 1/2 dozen bagels.  I don't really like bagels but knew some of the kids (and of course Paul) would enjoy them.  The employees there all gave me a high five for wearing the birthday crown and the women behind me in line kindly suggested I didn't look much older than 28 - I'll take that but still don't mind growing up.  I like the feel of my mid thirties, I feel I'm finally growing into myself.  

I did moan about a wrinkle a few weeks ago but James offered me this:  "You know mom, you are really maturing, and that is a good thing".  He is right and actually pretty mature himself for recognizing it.

Paul's parents were kind in giving me a gift certificate to Habermans and the day to spend alone with Paul.  We made our way around town on foot through an unexpected blizzard.  Paul patiently waited as I picked out a new pair of earrings. We then strolled down to Crazy Wisdom Book store where I was treated to delicious herbal tea and picked up the CD "Feeling Good Today" to enjoy with the kids.

By the time we made it to the cupcake shop (another birthday freebie) the snow was really coming down.  

From there we opted for carry-out from Frida Botidas but Paul convinced me, even in a blizzard you cannot pass up on a free cone at Ben&Jerry's.  First time I ever had an ice cream cone while out in the snow, I chose "Chocolate Therapy" (mix of chocolate cookies and pudding) and it tasted great topped with fresh snowflakes.

When we got home the girls announced they had set up a party for me.  It was a tea party with real juice and my old German doll I got when I was 5 was invited too.   I brought her down from my closet and brought up a few mini cupcakes. I busted out the new CD, rocked out to this song and it was a real girl party.

What really surprised me was the vegetable scavenger hunt Maryanna arranged.  We loaded the dollies in the stroller and tore apart their room looking for hidden veggies - luckily they were only hand drawn veggies (otherwise it would have been a nasty surprise in the weeks to come).

And finally a birthday serenade from Paul (isn't this photo William caught hilarious!)

And blowing out candles.  What a wonderful day and life it has been!