I have never looked forward to my own birthday, and generally found their celebration a let-down. I cannot remember more than one or two parties out of the 40 plus years of my life that left me feeling happy about turning one year older. This past year, I did not even remember my birthday, because it was the day after Raphaela's surgery.
I want that to be different for Raphaela, and today represented a fantastic start. I dressed up for the occasion, as the mother of birthday child; fancy dress, jewelry and make-up, the works. The cake my friend made was stunning and tasty, a pink Barbie Princess chocolate cake creation; the kids danced and sang, played with balloons and colored. Although it took Raphaela a little time to get used to being the center of attention, she quickly adapted, and then feigned shyness every time one of the other parents came over and wished her a "Happy Birthday."
After Gan, Raphaela and I, and two other parents and their children went to the nearby Jerusalem Botanical Gardens and fed the swans and enjoyed a light dinner.
Before tucking Raphaela into bed this evening, I showed her some of the photos from her busy day, and we talked about all the kids in her class, and I sang her the birthday song one more time, as she grinned from ear to ear.
Now that's what I call a positive birthday experience.
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