Birthday Boy

I'm just gonna say what every other parent says on their child's birthday, "HOW IS MY SON 4 YEARS OLD?!?!" This birthday was like our first one with Judah because last July 8th he was barely speaking English and had no concept of birthdays. This year was a different story. I was a bit obsessive about building anticipation for his big day.

"Judah, what's coming up?" 
"How old are you going to be?"
"What are we doing for your birthday, buddy?"
"Do you want a party?"
"Is grandma coming here for your birthday?"
"Are you getting presents for your birthday?"

Brian got sick of it. I did not. To me, this was a birthday worth celebrating BIG. So we did for about 2 weeks.

The morning of his birthday, we burst into his room and I nearly yelled, "Judah, what's today?!?!" He bounced up on his bed and squealed, "MY BIRTHDAY! PRESENTS!!!!" Yes, buddy. Today's your day.

Lion King book from Uncle Matt and Aunt SB. He's a reader!

He's also a "watcher". This boy loves movies like his Daddy.

We celebrated his birthday at a bounce house with his friends a little belated so Grandma could be in town. It was so fun to party with our diverse group of friends!!! Judah had the time of his life.

FRIENDS!!!!!!

My girl with my mom.

We had a sweet friend make 2 kinds of DELICIOUS and adorably decorated cupcakes. We discovered a little too late that Judah ate the wrapper of half his cupcake. Oops.

"Cheese!" With Daddy.

Our oreo sandwich. Judah's best friend, Cohen. He's logged a lot of hours with Cohen over the past year and a half. This was their last time together since Coco's moving to Paris soon. Bittersweet part of his party.

The spoils. Judah was truly spoiled. Though I don't want my kids to be spoiled, this birthday felt "right" to shower him with gifts. It was an explosion of love on this little boy's life. He's never experienced something like this before now. So grateful for our friends for choosing thoughtful and fun gifts that he truly loves. They know him. That's the best part.

Addise couldn't quite understand why it wasn't her birthday too. :) Judah graciously shared the spotlight, because that's just who he is.

Heck ya! A Batman shirt with removable cape. SO COOL!

One gift was cooler than the next. He could hardly move from one gift to the next because he was so overwhelmed with each one.

Fishing pole for the pool. He's already been practicing a lot.

Thank you's have yet to be written but I've been non-stop grateful since his big day. Judah felt loved. He was celebrated. He was lavishly gifted. Most importantly, he was surrounded by friends and family who know him and love him.

Of course, I couldn't help but to think of the woman who gave him birth and gave him up. I silently spilled a few tears. Offered up a few prayers. Hoped that the God of all good and perfect gifts would continue making good things come from so much loss and pain.

Judah, you are my first born son. Your eyes speak a hundred thousand words in more animation and expression than your words can yet convey. You are kind. You are giving. You are a reader and a watcher. You are a great big brother to Addise and Asher. You are joy embodied. You have the most tender heart. You have a conscience that is enviable to most adults. You are smart as a whip. You are a deep observer and intense learner. You are a fighter. You are so sensitive. You are playful and silly. You love superheroes like your Daddy. You are uber-curious. You are my son and I love you beyond what you will ever comprehend. Happy birthday, Bugs.