Oh What A Year It's Been!

We are writing this entry as the boy slumbers from a morning full of birthday celebrations and a little surprise visit to the doctor. Kenneth's day began with breakfast and his first cupcake -- a sugarless carrot cake with cream cheese frosting may not sound like a gourmet delight for you, but for the little boy, it was pure bliss. Then, instead of running over to the day care, suddenly it was time to play and unwrap gifts. Kenneth was probably wondering why this day was so different, especially since both parents were still hanging around and not heading out to work. In a tradition we hope to keep, both of us have taken time off from work to celebrate. Unfortunately for the little boy, today also happened to be the date of his one-year checkup, so, with cupcake cream still in hand, we drove to the pediatrician. The check-up turned out to be harmless and everyone agreed that the obligatory vaccination shots could wait until his next appointment.

The real party will take place on this coming Saturday. We have rented the party room in our housing complex and will be celebrating with eight kids and their parents. If it was left to Nina, we would have had another massive party with all of our friends as we did for the Baptism. Unfortunately for the party planner (we all know that Nina's dream secret job is to become a wedding planner), all the baby books advised against having a huge first birthday party in order to prevent baby over-stimulation. Kevin was able to reign Nina in, pointing out that most party supplies for kids come in sets of eight.

In her typical obsessive way, Nina has been spending several hours each day for the last month researching options, planning details, and ordering party supplies, even though the party itself is going to be fairly small and we all know that Kenneth will not remember one single thing from this day. On the other hand, a first birthday party for your first-born only happens once in a lifetime. So maybe this party is actually a reward for the first-time parents, who have just survived a whole first year.

The only question now is whether the birthday boy will be in a good mood and become the life of the party, like his normal jovial self? Or, will he go into baby meltdown and become one smoldering party-pooper? Stay tuned next week...