31 July 2011

five

five

Dear Little Owlet,

Your birthday this year wasn't quite as we'd expected. There was no ride on a double decker bus because we were too unwell. No friends at the park. So instead, we did the next best thing. We had a pyjama day. You didn't mind. You opened your gifts in the present cubby... books, tights, a toolbox of your own. You took your time to open and appreciate each gift and thanked each of us.... You ate your favourite breakfast and spent two hours in the bath with big owlet, telling stories, imagining... turning into a prune. Five wrinkly fingers.

I didn't bake you a cake this year. The first time I haven't baked for one of my owlets. But you chose your own cake at the shops. Tall, chocolate and fancy, with lollies. You smiled as you blew out all your balloon-shaped candles. Then the gift that we'd hoped would arrive in time did. Just. Your very own washboard. You whooped as you opened it, and danced around the room. Then you sat down in your new tights and your special birthday dress and washed your baby's clothes. And talked on the phone for an hour or so....

You came and snuggled with me in bed and we listened to the song that played when you were born into your daddy's hands, five years ago, in our dining room... Then you went and ate the dinner he cooked for you. Your favourite. And off to bed. A little unwell, but happy, with a belly full of sunshine and a heart full of love.

Happy birthday my little owlet. May all your days be as lovely. Even if they don't turn out as you planned.

Love, Mama. xx

8 comments:

  1. Weeping here, for the sheer loveliness.

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  2. beautiful. Happy birthday to your little sweetie

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  3. Happy birthday little owlet! Sounds like she had a beautiful, simple day. The sun was so spring-like and lovely today - I'm glad it was shining for your little girl.

    Hope you're all feeling healthier soon.

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  4. What a lovely day of unplanned beauty.

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  5. Happy Birthday to your little one, Lauren! It sounds like she had a lovely, just-right-for-where-and-how-you-all-are, day.

    Love the idea of spending 2 hours on your birthday in the bath—my girl's idea of pure Bliss! And your girl got the cake she wanted, and the gift came in time, and best of all? Snuggles and love, always love. Beautiful.

    Thank you for sharing your girl's sweet, special day here. I hope you all get better very, very soon!

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  6. Happy birthday to your little one. Though not as planned, it sounds like it was a just perfect day anyway :) Five is such a lovely age.

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  7. Happy Birthday to your little owlet - 5 years seems to be such a turning point (well at least it has been for our girl). There's still so much to learn but they also constantly amaze with what they do know!

    Hope you're all feeling better soon.

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  8. What a fabulous birthday! Happy belated birthday Little Owlet!
    Ps. Where Oh where did you find the washboard please?

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