It’s been ‘Birthday Season’ of late for the young and not so young in our family. I love how whether you’re one or ninety one, it’s all about the moment: watching glittery balloons float around above us as our fingertips rustle and rifle through layers of wrapping paper, carefully or not so carefully unveiling our presents. Inhaling the scent of flowers so prettily tied up with string and of melting candle wax, the aroma of wishes. Listening to the good vibrations of “Happy Birthday!” and savouring the last, chocolatey, gooey morsel of a special cake. What’s not to love? But this year, there’s been so much more. The little ones’ wonder and joy allowed us to see the world through their eyes as they experienced many of these treats for the first time.
As Pooh bear noted, ‘It’s hard to be uncheered with a balloon.’ Hudson who turned 1 last week was captivated. They were so big and so shiny and there was a Thomas the Tank Engine! He couldn’t wait to pull them down to cuddle them.
And the delight that two year old Genevieve felt in the early morning light as she took her first bounces in her new trampoline! A dedicated balloon lover, as the balloons took flight, so did she.
I love the way little ones unwrap their presents, sometimes with a little help from Mum.
But then take off to test out the working capabilities of particular gifts.
And what would a birthday be without flowers Genevieve loved hers as much as I loved mine. Must be a girl thing.
And of course, there’s the birthday cake. When my children were little, this was a very important part of the celebrations. As they got older, they would pore over the Women’s Weekly Birthday Cake book and put in their requests. After some negotiation, I would bake the cake and Kenn would decorate it. So keeping with family tradition, Melissa was determined to make Huddy’s first birthday cake memorable and she certainly succeeded.
Not only did the cake look good, it tasted great. Huddy was amazed. This was the first time he had been allowed to eat a smartie, chocolate icing and mud cake! It was a revelation! Huddy’s taste buds will never be the same again.
I even love singing Happy Birthday. Really no matter how musical or unmusical it sounds, it is the sound of love. Christian, Kelly and girls couldn’t be in Byron for my birthday this year, but for the very first time, when they face timed that morning, Genevieve sang Happy Birthday to me and included four very enthusiastic hip hip hoorays. An unforgettable serenade.
The thing about firsts is that they keep coming. It can be as simple as taking Huddy for a walk along Main Beach in Byron. Even when it’s a perfect day,
a boy has to do what a boy has to do!
And you never know when you’re going to strike it lucky and for the first time get to use the special toddler swing at Main Beach.
You just have to be ready to lose yourself for a time in the world of the young.
Byron Dreamer 