Monday, March 1, 2021

Someone is Four! An Almost Normal Day

We were watching the Academy Awards and had been for most of the evening. We knew Molly had gone to the hospital a day or two before for observation for her pre-eclampsia as we awaited the birth of our first Baby Grand. We would get a call when things looked ready to pop. Rick finally went home and as the awards were wrapping up ("We'll be back in a minute with the winner of Best Picture!"), the phone rang, he came by within moments and we were off to the hospital in Livonia, where we began "the long wait."


It wasn't until the next day that I heard the mistakenly announced "La La Land" as Best Picture instead of "Moonlight." But sometime around two or three in the morning, we got the best award ourselves -- our first Baby Grand, a healthy little boy.

This past weekend, he turned four. And he was really geeked up for his party of close family members. He was dressed for the occasion.

We arrived early enough to pull him away from the International Space Station and get him into his birthday ensemble. 


Then mom arrived home with the balloons.


Always a big hit!


There were presents, of course. He's very into the planets and knows them all, so we got him some planet masks and pajamas, along with a board game and contribution to the college fund.


Then came the cake!  One must sample first! (To be honest, I think every one of the toddlers there swiped at the frosting before the candles were lit!)

Little Bro was enjoying it just as much as the birthday boy.

 Then it came time for the big blow!


Let's just say that I passed up a piece of cake. Between little fingers savoring the decor on the side and numerous blows (because of course, extra candles were added), I figured I could give it a pass!

The only bad moment of the day was when we came out of the house and realized someone had plowed into the side of Rick's car. It was a bit puzzling -- a wide street, a beautiful, sunny day with no ice or snow on the road -- how could it happen? There was a big dent and some scraping, fortunately all on one panel of the back door. There was no note and you can imagine, Rick was not happy. But when Kevin checked with the next door neighbor to see if their security camera had recorded anything, the neighbor fessed up right away and he and Rick will work something out.


Rick and I took off after cake and took the scenic way home, first stopping at the Italian market. I thought this cover on an Italian magazine pretty well summed up life in the U.S. these past six months.


Then a quick stop at Duluth Trading Company, just to see what it was all about. I was surprised how many clothes they had. If I didn't have enough hand lotion to stock my own spa, I would have bought some of the orange-grapefruit, which smelled great and didn't set me into sneezing and coughing fits like most fragrance does!


It was a gorgeous day and fun to get off the expressway and see life on what used to be the main road to Detroit in the days before highways. There was more sprawl than we would have liked to see between small towns but also some beautiful countryside. And look! Our snow is beginning to melt!

The road we took passed by the cemetery where my dad's parents and earlier generations were buried. It was a gorgeous day, so we stomped about in the snow, scraping away some of the snow. 

All in all, a mostly perfect day -- and best of all, an almost normal one. It will be a long time before I feel comfortable in the company of others, but it was a wonderful first step.


Sharing with:    Let's Keep in Touch     /     Pink Saturday     

52 comments:

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Happy Birthday to the little! Sorry about the car!

Anca said...

Aww, what a lovely birthday party. I love the mask, it's so cute and I think he will love wearing it too.
It's a shame about the car, but it can be fixed, and it looks like cosmetic damage anyway. xx

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

He is adorable - Happy Birthday to the Birthday boy!

My name is Erika. said...

that is a fabulous cake. And a fabulous birthday. These photos are happy and fun to see. Birthdays when your are older, although still important and grand events, just never have the same joy as for children. and nice you had a bit of a scenery change. And a few little stops. It must have felt fantastic. Happy March Jeanie. And thanks for sharing. hugs-Erika

DUTA said...

Majestic looking birthday cake!
Happy Birthday to the four-year old toddler!

Linda Sue said...

What a day, just about everything included, so sorry about the big smash into the side of the car! Seems like that driver may want to relinquish his license.
Beginning with a four year old's birthday , cake, a party, balloons and an accident, ending at a grave stone about sums it up, all in one day!

Mae Travels said...

UPBEAT!!! So glad to see this post! Are we all climbing out of the hole? Hope has showed up. Kids’ birthday parties! A little spring weather. Please let the inevitable setbacks be minor.

be safe...mae at maefood.blogspot.com

gigi-hawaii said...

Happy birthday! Aloha from Hawaii. Those two boys are so healthy and handsome. So sorry about the dent in Rick's car. Hope his neighbor pays for the repair.

Martha said...

What a fantastic day, well other than the car. At least the neighbor fessed up and is taking responsibility. Happy birthday to your adorable grandson!

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

What a fun celebration! I love the card you made! Paul would love that as he is a big fan of Daniel Tiger, too! We celebrated Paul’s birthday yesterday, too, since it’s today and he’s at school. We made a cookie birthday cake together. Unlike your grands, we learned he does not like frosting! So I am glad I did not use much! Joan isn’t quite fully protected from her 2nd shot of the vaccine so we didn’t have her over but will see her next weekend! So it was just the 4 of us. But we had a nice day and will continue the celebration tonight after school!

Bummer about Rick’s car. Pretty crappy the neighbor didn’t ‘fess up in the first place, though!!!

eileeninmd said...

Hello,
Happy birthday to your grandson. They are both cuties! The balloons and cake look festive.
I am sorry to hear about Rick's car. Take care, enjoy your new week!

mel said...

What a magnificent cake! And yes, I can see why you might have opted not to have any :D.

Our snow spent the entire weekend melting and we lost a LOT of it -- hooray!! Unfortunately, another cold snap is on the way...but there's an end in sight. xo

anno said...

I'm very sorry about Rick's car, and even under normal circumstances, I think you would have been wise to avoid the cake. Still... what a great day! And what great [not-so] baby grands1 So glad you were able to be there!

Pamela said...

How cute! Getting closer to the way things used to be, but not quite there yet. Maybe we’ll never be there again. I’m with you about the cake!

Marilyn Miller said...

I know what you mean about "a long time before I feel comfortable in the company of others". So glad you had that first step toward normalcy. Today I had my picture taken to renew my passport. I think the guy that took it was surprised as I said I needed to plan on more travel and be ready.
I love, love that you got to celebrate #4 with your little guy. And nope, I wouldn't have had cake either. Other than the damage to Rick's car it sounds like it was a special day.

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

I'm so happy you were able to attend that darling four year old's birthday. I was struck by the photo of him and his brother bare footed outside! So sorry that Rick's car was side swiped. Good to know how and who is responsible. Such a lovely day out, Jeanie. I can't wait to do the same soon!

Lowcarb team member said...

Such a lovely birthday party, great to see the photographs.
Such a shame about the car, but it sounds as if the neighbour and Rick will have it sorted ok.

Enjoy the new month of March.
My very good wishes.

All the best Jan

Red Rose Alley said...

Happy Birthday Carson! What a wonderful celebration he had. I like the tiger theme too. His birthday shirt is so cute. Looks like a fun day, Jeanie. I'm so sorry Rick's car got a dent, that's awful. But glad they will work it out amongst each other. It's nice that you stopped at the cemetery and spent time visiting with family. And so glad Carson had such a special day.

~Sheri

William Kendall said...

Happy Birthday to him!

Iris Flavia said...

Wow, that is some cake! And some cute Brothers.
Bad with the car. Maybe someone tried to turn on the road? That happened to my car. Luckily that lady called or had to call the police as there were witnesses.
Great magazine cover.
And yay for that first step!

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Congratulation to the four year old. He is a young man already. The finger in the icing I could handle, but like you blowing out the candles would be enough to put me off. I may never eat blown-candle birthday candle again! Too bad about Rick's car, but at least the perpetrator owned up to it and I hope they can work things out amicably so that Rick is not our of pocket. March is here, Jeanie. Will we have our first spring flowers this month?

Valerie-Jael said...

All the best to the birthday boy! May he stay well and healthy. Hugs, Valerie

Joanne Huffman said...

It sounds like a great day. I'm not sure I'll ever be blowing out birthday candles again, even post-plague. I felt like I took my first step coming down here to Florida, and it really has increased my optimism. Glad the neighbor fessed up and Rick will get the car fixed. I really think sunny days make a lot of difference.

shoreacres said...

Since I have no idea when the Academy Awards are, and since I hadn't yet begun my first cup of coffee when I began reading, it wasn't until I got to the refernce to 'four years ago" that I stopped thinking, "Wait. What?!? How can this be your first grand?" I'm all straightened out now. It looks like a wonderful celebration, and it doesn't look like it will take all that much to straighten out Rick's car. I'm glad it didn't stay a mystery. I hate when that happens, although usually mysterious car damage involves carts in a grocery store parking lot or a too-close other car door!

Polly said...

What a fantastic day. I love the mask, and the cake, much as I love cake I think I would have passed as well. Thank goodness the neighbour owned up.

La Table De Nana said...

Oh you are back! Into life and family..It must have felt fab.
The boys are adorbs..The car..hmm neighbour shoulda fessed up before no?
I would have rang the doorbell bawling and apologetic and scared lol.

Have a good week!!

The French Hutch said...

Sounds like a grand day, except for the car! Birthday tots are adorable and loved his Four tee, so cute. Senic route sounds lovely for a change, everything always in a hurry, need more of that. So happy to hear you are slowly getting back some family time. I hope we'll follow after our second dose......Happy March!

Ricki Treleaven said...

Your grandsons are so cute! You are so blessed. Happy 4th Birthday to the oldest! I love Duluth Trading's yoga pants. They are my very favorite. Sorry about Rick's car. I wonder why the neighbor didn't leave a note? Strange!

Sandra at Maison De Jardin said...

It looks like the sweet young man had a wonderful birthday. I love the photo of them out in the yard in their bare feet. They don't know it is cold. Such a shame about Rick's car.
I hope you will be seeing blooms soon. Our daffodils are about to pop. Have a great week, Jeanie.

Arti said...

How time flies! Happy 4th birthday to your wonderful grandson. Looks like he and his younger bro are the best buddies. A beautiful birthday card you created. :)

Anonymous said...

Jeanie, I am with you 100% on the sentiments, but a first step is always the right one. After March 15, I think we will be re thinking what our first step will be. Sounds like a successful party and #4 is just the cutest and little one is right along side of him in that department. Makes me remember Jake all those years ago. Glad you got out for awhile to experience "almost mormal"..Stay well (hopefully soon I won't need to say that anymore, at least for this reason)..xxoJudy

Rita C at Panoply said...

I just loved this FOURocious birthday theme! And how rude of the neighbor! I really wonder if he intended to fess up until the question of the camera was asked? Duluth Trading - Will has a really nice jacket I bought him from their website. How nice to be able to actually go inside! Happy trails, indeed, vaccine in tow. :)

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Sorry about Rick's car. Your little is so sweet. Happy birthday to this cutie pie. Feels good to be able to slowly get back with some family. I hope the future is promising. Happy March.

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Oh what a grand day!! He is simply adorable. Such wonderful memories, Jeanie.
I am so sorry about Ricks car.
Received my first Covid shot today!

Lynne said...

Happy for you getting out for the birthday celebration
and a bit of shopping and stops along the way
It has been a long stretch without a bit of “normality”
and you deserved this first big “out and about!”.

Victoria Zigler said...

Doesn't seem possible he could be four already...

Glad you were able to attend the birthday celebration, though I don't blame you for passing on the cake. I think even without the current situation I'd pass on it with toddlers helping themselves like they were.

Sorry about Rick's car, but glad the neighbour admitted to having done it and is willing to work something out with Rick.

Prims By The Water said...

Happy belated birthday to Carson! So sorry to hear about Rick's car. I love taking the scenic route when we can. Janice

Little Wandering Wren said...

I'm like others remembering 4 years ago - Happy Birthday, lovely that you could join in the birthday celebrations cakes and balloons and all!
I'm gobsmacked about the car though! And annoying to say the least!
Have a lovely week
Wren x

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Happy belated birthday to the first little Grand. What a great day. I am not as brave as you, but at least you get out, something I don't. I wouldn't eat any cake, either, but at least the kids enjoyed it. It looked good, at least. Nothing that would qualify for the cake wrecks blog.

Your photos of that day are beautiful and I can see how bright the sun was shining, too. And those boys were barefoot outside while there was still snow on the ground. BRRR!! Great memories.

Yvonne said...

What a wonderful opening about your grandson's birthday. Love the card, and one can tell he's obviously into tigers. He looks so rambunctious and full of life. I'm glad all had a good birthday time. Thank you so much for your wonderful comments on my post and birthday. Take care.

Pam said...

HAHA.....Do you know what I noticed, what really jumped out at me when I was reading your blog??? Those boys were out with snow on the ground with NO SHOES on! haha. Happy Bday little one! My next thought was, "wonder what little one thought looking up at that BIG building on the TV. Looked big to me, so I am sure it looked even bigger to him! Isn't it funny what certain folks spy first that maybe others will not even notice or think about? Hoping little one had an amazing day.

Anonymous said...

Jeanie, I forgot to tell you that I love the birthday boy depicted on the card. You certainly got the eyes right..So cute..Stay well..xxoJudy

Barb said...

Happy Birthday to that cute 4 year old! Oh my gosh - who wouldn't have left a note about the car? Once years ago, I came out of a night class and found a note on my windshield. It had snowed and a high school boy had slid into my rear bumper. He gave his name and phone number plus apologized for the bump. Bob and I could barely see the dent, so I called and spoke to his mother. I said there was no need to have it fixed, but I was so impressed with her son. Taking responsibility is a good judge of character I think!

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Happy Birthday to the Birthday boy!! We were rear ended when we were on our way to my younger son Jim's christening!! I will never forget it because we were late and everyone was waiting for us at the church!!!Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and by letting me know that you did by leaving such a sweet comment!!
Stay safe, healthy and happy!!
Hugs,
Deb

Bohemian said...

He's Adorable, Happy 4th Birthday!

Susan Kane said...

Having two little guys like that is indescribable. You had a perfect day.

Pam Richardson said...

Jeanie, it is so hard to believe he is four, time passes so quickly. What a darling little boy, party, cake, and presents. I am sorry about Rick’s car, that is never good. Enjoying a ride back home probably helped his spirit!

Maria said...

Floresça onde Deus te plantar, permita que seja Ele a determinar seu caminho e você sentirá sua vida ser plenamente abençoada. Deus, melhor do que nós, sabe do que somos capazes, conhece nossas virtudes e fragilidades, e Ele certamente tem preparado para você um caminho recheado de alegrias e conquistas.

Não tema e avance, deixe brilhar a luz do seu coração. Você merece ser muito feliz e Deus certamente lhe proporcionará essa bênção.

Jenny Woolf said...

It's wonderful, that feeling of getting back to normal, isn't it? What a fun party - and four is a great age, all the comical sayings and personalities starting to emerge more strongly. I do love this time of year. We're further on than you but there is a feeling of waking up all around.

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Aw! Four already! It's amazing how much they learn in just four years! So cute and I had to laugh at the passing up of the cake :) Sorry about the car - geez ! And the neighbor :o I'm with you on easing into human contact. Haha! We get our first shot at the end of the month. Finally. Take care x Karen

Katie Mansfield said...

What a cutie. Spring will be here soon.

crackercrumblife said...

Happy birthday to the four year old!! :)

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