Blah Blah Babycakes: Birthdays

Happy Birthday Nick

Love, Andrea and Henry

I know I'm horrible at birthdays and a whole bunch of other stuff, but I hope you have a special day.

May 17, 2009 in Birthdays | Permalink | Comments (13)

Henry's Smurf inspired birthday party was such a happy success. I was slightly nervous about how Henry would react to all the mayhem, forgetting that he's well-schooled in birthday bashery. He loved his party and I didn't get a cupcake thrown at me during the birthday song.

His present, an eight-story parking garage, was a huge hit. Even the ten-year old boys were interested in it, which gives me hope of years and years of quiet playtime.

My friend Elizabeth took all the beautiful photos and out of shame I may never post one of my own again. Her husband Matt, our friend Arlon and Nick made all the delicious food. And even though I was totally, totally prepared, I had to send my sister to the grocery store three times before show time.

It was a group effort and I'm lucky to have such fantastic, caring friends and family. Thank you, thank you.

Henry's Birthday present from his mom and dad
Photo by Elizabeth Lynch

Now the balloons are all popped, red velvet cupcakes all eaten and we're settling back into our lives. When I woke up this morning I felt excited for just a moment, thinking that the guest bedroom was still occupied. The only thing that cheered me up was Henry coming into my bedroom yelling, "Time to get up mommy, I'm three!".

It's always a little depressing when the party is over.

Photo by Elizabeth Lynch

October 02, 2007 in Birthdays, Henry | Permalink | Comments (2)

Birthday Extravaganza

We celebrated three birthdays this weekend. (I told you it was a popular time to give birth.) With visitors from Chicago, LA, New York and Seattle, our house was filled with presents, cupcakes and lots of people. (Also an uninvited mouse and a squirrel, but that's another story)

I became completely unhinged, only once, during a pre-party hostess related meltdown, but Henry's party was perfect, Sneaky the Clown wasn't creepy and the 4 lbs of mussels we served didn't poison anyone.

Come back tomorrow for pictures and the gory details.

Henry's Birthday Cupcakes
Photo by Elizabeth Lynch

October 01, 2007 in Birthdays, Henry | Permalink | Comments (6)

A Prime Number

It was my birthday a few days ago and an obvious reminder that I'm not getting any younger. Prettier and skinnier, yes, but not younger.

I've made an important decision:

I'm switching to a Mac. My beautiful new baby will be here soon*.

*Thank you family!

June 13, 2007 in Birthdays | Permalink | Comments (4)

Vamonos!

Henry handled the Happy Birthday song a little better this year. During his first birthday party, when the guests burst into song, Henry burst into tears. We practiced a couple rounds prior to the party and he was all smiles, but when it was show time Henry hid his face and put his head down on the table. Right at about the "Dear Henrrrryyyy" part of the song, he looked up, grabbed a cupcake and threw it at me.

Dora the Explorer, Henry's numero uno babe, was the party theme and we served grown-up tapas and toddler tapas. It felt so nice to have an apartment full of people again (although our Minneapolis friends don't drink nearly the amount of alcohol as our East coast comrades) and all the children played together so nicely. Except for one incident when fisticuffs came out over a toy.

It was caught on tape: