Week forty three

One thing no one could ever say about our family? That we do birthdays lightly. Or Christmas for that matter, but that is for a later post. And Clark's third birthday was no exception. Glenn and I took the week off, thinking we could have a bit of us time, bit of party planning and baking time, and spend Wednesday doing fun birthday things with Clark. It was a huge week for many reasons and really not the most restful of times. I really do not think why I thought it would be anything other than it was!

This post is very rambly, but I wanted to capture the events of the week if only for us down the track. One of the things that I have loved about this 52 week project is the time to sit and ponder on our week and to have a visual and written reminder of our comings and goings. I do try to condense and some weeks I have been too tired to write much, but this week I just wanted to document the week that Clark turned three.

We had an amazing week that started with the three of us going to our 20 week ultrasound and seeing our baby girl. We overestimated Clark's understanding and the process was quite daunting for him. He was very protective over me as the ultrasound wand was gliding over my tummy and stuck very close by wanting to make sure that the baby and I were ok. He did well however and seemed unsurprised (though happy) to find out we are having a girl. We are thrilled!

The rest of the week involved a lot of shopping and getting ready for The Festival of Clark. Martha Stewart has a lot to answer for and I spent most of my week shopping for the right paper cups, more puppy dog themed items to go into lolly bags and essential craft items for the 12 sets of puppy dog ears I spent many many hours on. 

Amongst it all was Wednesday, Clark's birthday. Each year his understanding grows about special events and this year his excitement levels matched ours. We stayed up the night before icing the first of his two cakes and wrapping his presents. We set up his teepee in the loungeroom and the next morning when he saw it he stopped in his tracks and let out an excited gasp. We couldn't ask for anything more and I am so happy he loved his presents. Chocolate pancakes followed and then his hearing teacher came for his hearing lesson. Once that was finished we went to the movies to see Turbo which Clark loved. As per usual we tried to cram as much into the day as possible! A big nap and a play with his toys later, and my parents and brother came over for dinner and to give him his present... his first bike! He opened the bike helmet first (while we waiting for my brother to arrive) and I love that Clark was content with the helmet and did not make the connection that the strange thing hiding in the corner covered in a sheet was actually a bike. More excitement! Actually riding the bike will take practice which is half the fun really. Mexican for dinner (Clark loves the sour cream the best I think!) and chocolate cake with ice cream later, and our little boy crashed out. Followed not long after by two exhausted parents!

The rest of the week was spent finalising more details and completing craft activities, but thankfully we also managed a movie visit and a few lunches. Some much needed us-time away from work. 

On Saturday, after a late night the night before finishing my Martha Steward dog ears (complete with melt downs not only by the hot glue gun) we had Clark's birthday party. Previous years have been mostly OUR village, but this year was the first year it became more about Clark's village. The party was more a kid's party with a few grown-ups allowed. I am beyond thankful that I gave myself permission to not have any party games this year and just made use of a small park that we quite like for it's quietness and age appropriate equipment. My family, some friends from school and some of our friends with children, plus a few extra important "villagers" sat on picnic rugs and ate food and chatted while the children played. Clark opened presents (which I hadnt planned on happening for some reason) and I learnt that he has terrible card etiquette. We will work on that later! I was extremely proud of the cake my husband made (under my bossy instructions) and grateful for everyone's help with so many details of the day. Over by late lunchtime we collapsed at home while our boy slept. The rest of the weekend was spent recovering and letting Clark open his presents properly and look at who gave him what and just letting him play. 

Through our busy week, and celebrating our amazing little boy, I was reminded constantly just how lucky and blessed we are. For what we have in our life, for our special family and for friends both old and new. For our health and our resources and for our strength. Glenn and I are constantly taken aback at the things our boy comes out with and how quickly he is growing. I feel we have mastered toilet training this week and for those that are parents or work with or are surrounded by young children you know what a big step this can feel like. I am constantly thankful for my husband and how much he does for us. The last few months he has stepped up more than usual to look after me through morning sickness, stress at work and what seems like endless colds. We are a team and we always share the load but he has been carrying my load a lot lately and I could never express my thanks enough. Clark is lucky to have such a wonderful dad who loves him so much. We have both been swept away by this little man and I simply cannot imagine it being any other way. 

Happy Birthday Clark. You are a joy to your father and I. You challenge me and surprise me constantly. I love how affectionate and loving you are. I love how curious you are about the world and how much you take in what is going on around you. You are empathetic and strong willed and while can get swept up in the moment also love a sense of order. I love your love of books and gardening and that while you want to roar loudly like a dinosaur you also love pretending to be a puppy dog. You are our little super hero and are going to be a wonderful big brother. You have changed our lives more than I could imagine and I would not have it any other way. We love you to the moon and back. xxx