June’s second birthday soiree was a seriously low key affair — just me, Jake, neighbors Bill and Ellen and their granddaughter Paige, homemade cupcakes and few gifts. That’s about all the toddler revelry this mommy can handle (imagine me saying this while sipping a huge glass of chablis). No ponies, no clowns, no lasers.
Last night also marked the first night June was aware her photo was being taken. See how posey she looks? I fear this marks the end of an era, a more innocent, heartfelt era when mommy could invade June’s space any ol’ time I pleased and she was none the wiser.
She kept saying, “Say cheese, mommy!”
“More please!”
And the gifts…
Pretty cards…
Cold hard cash for June’s community college fund…
Glamorous birthday shoes to dazzle the young hussies at day care…
And mommy’s gift — a collection of delightful hand crafted wooden toys…
How very analog.
How very German.
How very lame.
“Next year, lasers and clowns, please.”
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Happy birthday to June! I can see all is well in Lex. Can’t wait to tell you all about the ballet barre class I survived…
Analog is fine. That toy will stretch her imagination and help her learn some concepts. She’s a sweet girl with a happy home, no clowns and lasers needed.
Good for you for not giving in to pressure for those huge parties that the 2 and 3 and 4 year olds don’t even remember. I remember giving my kids gifts I got at garage sales. They were none the wiser and loved them just the same, and Mommy was happy she recycled and saved money.
June is quite the beautiful girl!
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY JUNE!! Looks like you did a fine job Jess. Kids don’t need all the hoopla that a lot of parents give them these days. Then they become spoiled brats who expect it ALL the time. She is very well loved…and that’s what is important.
LOVE the wooden toy! Where did you find it? It would be perfect for my daughter’s occupational therapy. There is a little local toy store nearby that carries HABA toys, I think, but I don’t remember seeing this one. Maybe I need to go back over there.
OMG she is adorable!!! Happy happy birthday!!!
My sister-in-law had about 50 people for my nephew’s birthday. A bit overwhelming for the toddler to say the least. He did not enjoy it. You chose wisely.
Well done Jess, well done indeed.
Happy Birthday June!! Looks like she had a great one!
Happy Birthday to June girl!Ellaroos sends her love from the land of Milk and Honey!
Whoo hoo! Thank you Piia and Ella Rose!
Hi Jessie and happy birthday to June! The days are long with a baby but the years are short.
Just wanted to tell you that I just finished your book—and loved it! I’m not surprised because I already knew you were a great writer (I’m here reading your blog, aren’t I?) but I was so happy to see that you could write not just a great post but a great book. Keep it up, girl!
Good for you! We have four children and can’t afford all the hoop-la! What’s most important is that you were all together with the people that love June! It’s the little things that make the biggest memories! Happy Birthday, June! We wish you a hundred more!
p.s. Love your blog, Jessie!!!!
Hands down.. my favorite toy growing up was a set of “blocks” that my mom got from somewhere.. thinking back.. they were like pieces of 2×3 cut into varying lengths and sizes and then sanded round and smooth. We built forts and all sorts of things.. I also lost my toe nail when my little brother smashed a foot longer down on my toe:)
That last photo is so darn adorable—oh she’s cute! Looks like she loved her special day sans clowns and lasers.