Happy Birthday!

February 11th, 2009 has come and gone. I can't say my eyes stayed completely dry the entire day, but I made it through without a complete emotional breakdown. Last week I'd been trying to come up with some ideas of things to do to help make his day special, not just the breakfast-play-nap-lunch-play-snack-bedtime routine. This day had to be good. It had to be memorable and worthy of photos to record those memories.

There is a playgroup in the gym at Villaggio (an off-post military housing community) that meets every Wednesday morning at 10 and lasts about an hour. Until now, I haven't had the chance to take Jericho because of the one-car issue. With Michael in Aviano on a field exercise until Thursday afternoon - yes, he was gone during his son's first birthday; yes, we're both irritated but there was nothing we could do about it - I had the car. I debated going until I got a call from my friend Geni, wishing Jericho a Happy Birthday and asking what our plans were. She persuaded me to give playgroup a shot, so I took the quickest shower of my life, got Jericho dressed and fed, and headed out the door just in time to walk into the gym's front room at 10:03. We signed in and were greeted by Andreina Howard and Beth Eastman, two of the nicest ladies I've ever met. They head New Parent Support Group, and they visit new moms at the Benincaso Mother & Infant Birthing Pavilion on Post. They are SO incredibly supportive and helpful...I love those ladies! When I told them that Jericho was a year old that day, Andreina, in her high-pitched, eternally happy voice, promised a Happy Birthday song during Circle Time. I set Jericho down on a mat near some puzzle blocks and greeted some people I knew. When it was time, we all made our way into the gym.

Instant chaos ensued.

There were toys, balls, slides and all kinds of things for the children to play with. Jericho had a blast just crawling around the huge, open space and playing on the miniature slide. Geni and I did some practice walking with him, but he didn't want much to do with that. Then when the "clean-up" song started, all the kids picked up the toys and put them away to make room for Circle Time. Moms and children made a large circle and sang songs complete with hilarious hand motions, and finished each tune with a round of applause. Jericho was mesmerized, watching the other children sing and dance and clap, and for once, he actually sat happily in my lap! At the end of Circle Time, Andreina gave me a glance and a smile, and she announced that we had a "first birthday boy" at playgroup and that we were going to sing Happy Birthday to him. She introduced Jericho and started the song. It was the sweetest, happiest moment for us. Seeing 50+ young children and moms singing to my little boy was indescribable. I have to say I got a little teary-eyed!

After Circle Time, we all moved back into the front room for story time and snacks. When playgroup was over, Geni and I and our friend Amanda met on Post for lunch. I had a couple of quick errands to run, so after lunch we parted ways. Jericho and I headed home for his favorite snack - homemade heart-shaped apple pancakes - and some quiet playtime with his new Baby Einstein DVD (thank you, Grandma and Grandpa!), followed by an early bedtime. My little fella was pooped!

All in all, it was a good day. As much as I loved spending Jericho's first birthday with him, and as much as I wish I could make it last longer, I'm glad I don't have to do it for another year. It's just too emotional!

So we'll see you all on Saturday for the "Big 1" birthday bash?