Chloe has been anticipating this birthday for some time. It is such a huge change from last year, when she really didn't grasp the concept of birthdays. She has been having pretend parties for the last month, complete with the birthday song, and pretend cake! She welcomed everyone to her party with Happy Birthday! When asked who's birthday it was she would say "Happy Birthday Towee (aka Chloe, still working on speech)!" She then ran off with friends and happily played at the park, no real interest in the presents on the table. When it came time for cake, you could see the excitement on her face. Everyone sang to her and she just beamed. The wind took most of the candles out for her, but she had to work on the last one, blowing it repeatedly before it finally went out. After we cut up the cake, she ate her normal two tiny bites and declared she was done. Presents came out and she opened each one slowly, exclaiming excitement with each one. We would ask her to go give the person who gave it to her a hug, and she happily ran to them with big hugs and thank yous.
When I compare where Chloe was a year ago, I am just so thankful and amazed. Last year was confusing for her, she didn't know what she was supposed to do. This year she nailed it! Her joy came not from presents but from the family around her, celebrating her life. Of course she did enjoy the presents too, but I think if there were no presents she would have been quite happy. Its been so great to watch her learn what these special occasions are all about, and enjoy the excitement, family, and fun.
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| Love Ben peeking over her shoulder |
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| Everyone got hugs after she opened the present they brought (and a couple extra hugs as they were leaving) |
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| Sporting her new outfit this morning |
