February 28, 2008

These were the first words out of Deacon's mouth a few days ago. When I wake up, I say things like "ARGH" or "Turn off the alarm" or the most common one, "I'll get up when you have the coffee ready". Not a two-year-old. He is glad to be awake. He opens his eyes, scans the room, notices an elephant on his blanket and says "yes, elephant". On Sunday afternoon, our house was filled banana cupcakes, balloons and friends as we celebrated two years of Deacon's life.

I started my own tradition - which I hope my sons will continue when they are old enough - of buying myself flowers on his birthday. Why shouldn't I get flowers to celebrate the day that I pushed these kids out into this world? Last year, I was so excited about Deacon's birthday. At the check-out counter of the grocery store, I told the clerk, "These ballons are for my son, he is one year old today. And these flowers are for me for having him one year ago today." This teenage boy looked so puzzled and responded, "You buy yourself flowers?".

Sure, why not buy yourself flowers. Celebrate, even if the day isn't specifically for you. And buy your mother flowers on your birthday to thank her.