Teddy's Birthday

We had quiet birthdays this year, with kind of simple parties. It was nice and not as stressful as some years. We had a pizza machine party for Teddy, and it ended up being a bit of a disappointment, I think. I think this because at the end of the day he was kind of writhing is discomfort and tearing up and saying it was NOT a good birthday. Not because anything was particularly disappointing, but because Teddy is now at the age where the magical fantasy of childhood is starting to clash with the reality of everyday human life on this Earth. It's like watching him emerge from the unicorns, rainbows, and mists of complete innocence and fantasy, and arrive at the loud and impersonal train station that is life. That's the only way to describe it. Other than THAT, it was a good seventh birthday. He's so big. He's so special. He's so perfect. Gush Gush Gush. What can I say? The kid is fun. He's fun to be around. He gets jokes. He's just a blast, most of the time, except when he lays on the couch kicking his legs in the air and whining 'what can I dooooooo????'
After he got over the fatigue of the birthday day, he was more positive about it and gave it an "A. Not an A+." Not bad. Karl and I had to dig deep into our reservoirs of maturity when he was saying that he didn't like it. Because we both knew it wasn't about the birthday, it was about growing up. I suppose for all of us, it was about growing up. For me, too... I want to recreate the magic of childhood for our children. And when I fail, oh, sigh, I fail. But that's ok. As Teddy says, 'That's just life!"

Simon and Teddy. The best of friends. They are the cutest pair. They just completely accept each other and parallel play, come together, and float apart. They just adore each other. More importantly, and more indicative of lasting friendship, they just accept each other.

This is his friend Annie. He really just stuck to Annie the whole party. They even look alike. They just seem to be good friends. Quiet and silly and sweet. There is something about Annie. She's just like a cool river.
And here's Norah at her first day of swimming lessons! She loves it. When I told her that she got to go again this week, she said 'AGAIN??' Yes, WEEKLY swimming lessons! Norah's birthday was yesterday- I'll post soon.