happy birthday two you

Today is Obi-2's third birthday.  He has been looking forward to this day for weeks, maybe months, because he will (for a short few weeks) no longer be the youngest kid on the block.  He doesn't know it yet, but he's getting a scooter so he can zip around with the bigger guys on our sidewalk.   (My present was a reminder that we have good insurance and helmets.)

My baby is growing up, and clearly he's a second child.  One of our family traditions is letting the birthday kid pick dinner for his special day.  Generally, I fix their request to exact specifications.  Keep in mind that Obi-1 didn't taste fast-food until he was over three years old.  Obi-2, on the other hand, could not be persuaded out of a "Burg-a-ville cheeeeeeze burger with apples & oranges on the side!" (Last year, he wanted salmon and green beans, so I suppose I'm due for a cheeseburger with a kids' toy.)

Speaking of eating, he's clearly a boy after my heart.  When asked what sort of birthday cake he'd like, he didn't come up with with themes like I've seen from his big brother.  No, no... he wants a CHOCOLATE cake with PEANUT BUTTER in the frosting.  Just like his famous bumpy hat, I'm not sure where he got this idea, but I'm doing my best to make it for him.

Big brother Obi-1, who's also celebrating the day he received a sibling, is hardly able to contain the gifts.  He got to help me pick up the presents, and he has whispered about it to everyone he's seen.  Fortunately, he doesn't have to hold it in much longer, as we'll open them at dinner.  Note to self: 24 hours is too long to expect a boy to keep a "secret" surprise about presents.

To say it accurately, the day is off with a bang. We filled several dozen balloons last night and covered the Obi's bedroom floor, so he'd wake up to a wonderland of birthday decor. He jumped into our room, and we shared the story of his birth & how we sang "Praise God" when he was born (the Doxology).  Then, the boys were all over the house, chasing and hiding and popping balloons before "wake up time" ever hit the clock.

Breakfast will be shared with Grandma, who stayed the night but mysteriously went to work for a while this morning.  We'll head to indoor park and a couple other adventures, and then (hopefully) the boys will nap while I finish that cake.  This evening, his brother and parents will give him his presents, sing, and pray with smiles of thanksgiving for our Obi-2.  Then, we're hoping a couple friends swing by to join in the Eating of the Cake.  With any luck, we'll all fall exhaustedly into our beds at a decent time, reminding us of this night, three years ago.

Happy birthday, big guy.  I love you.