Merpy Birthmas

Given that we will be in New Jersey for Christmas Day, we made special arrangements with Santa to visit us today, on eaw’s 2nd birthday. It was really fun to have our own holiday while the rest of the world was still caught up in the pre-holiday frenzy. It was truly an amazing experience to witness the power of the mind over matter. For us, everything slowed down – it felt like Christmas Day – special, private, spiritual, connected, rejuvenating, and hopeful. Makes me wonder why we don’t assign that kind-of power to “regular” days more often.

The day started with cinnamon rolls much to eaw’s delight and mtw’s belly’s later remorse (I tried to tell him he didn’t have to eat the whole thing). Next, eaw helped mom make a birthday cake – he’s a great helper in the kitchen. I will not lie, eaw chased down the cinnamon roll with cake batter. All rules are ignored on Merpy Birthmas.

Following the sugar load, we prompted eaw into the front room to discover the offerings from St. Nick. He was thrilled, and sweet – running from toy to toy, opening the gifts from friends and family, all the while yelling “tenku” “tenku” “tenku.” Favorite gifts included a rocking horse that neighs (a second hand find by mdw), a Thomas the train activity book from the Tolks, and a cookie set to accompany Grandma and Grandpa’s birthday kitchen set. The site of the Christmas morning aftermath was fully satisfactory. It was a lovely morning. The rest of the day was spent walking the dogs, listening to music, playing in eaw’s room, reading books, and napping.

The evening brought more celebration as we treated ourselves to a family dinner at a nearby Ichiban steakhouse. eaw loved the show of our very talented chef. The flames and flying knives were fully entertaining and the food was delicious. We had been worried that the restaurant wouldn’t be a good fit for a 2 year old, but it was a tremendous success. As per tradition, the evening ended with cake and candles and more sugar consumption. Good thing, New Year’s is just around the corner – we can resolve and remedy the poor (but celebratory) nutritional intake. Merby Birthmas to all and to all a good night!