It's been 2 of almost everything so far: Cakes, celebrations, clothes, toys. Joel's had 2 birthday celebrations: One at Udupi on Feb 26th with Acha, Amrith, Mom, Dad, Aunt Ibby, Sangi, Kala, Prabha and me. The other at Urwa on Feb 28th with Mom, Dad, Aunt Ibby, Sangi, Kavitha, Ajay, Akash and me.
One boy who does not know the meaning of a birthday bash had 2 of them. I'm J!!!!
Birthday at Udupi was celebrated at home. No Udupi Residency as planned and decided earlier coz almost everyone was not comfortable enuff with the idea of eating outside when the chicken flu's just entered Karnataka. So Hot Spot's mutton biryani, raita and a few side dishes from Udupi Residency made their way home. A pineapple fresh cream cake from Valley View so that no one cribbed about CHOCOLATE all the time.
No decorations. No dressing up. Just plain old comfy clothes and a lot of attention showered on Joel.
Birthday at Urwa began with Joel, Sangi and me heading to church for the 7.00 am mass. Since I'd taken the day off from work, it was the usual "Get the house clean and neat". Around 10.00 am left home for some errands while Joel slept. Back home in time for lunch. Fed Joel, bathed him, played with him and then crashed out with him. Come 5.30 pm, Kavitha and her sons, Ajay and Akash came over. Had the cake cutting ceremony all over again. More snaps and gifts. And almost an hour of play for the boys!
That was end of birthday for me. I sure hope it registered somewhere within Joel that it was a special day for him. First birthday, four teeth. A lot more independence. A lot more walking. A lot more vocal chords being exercised. A lot more laughter. A lot more fun. A lot more exercise.
Thank you God! I've lived to see my son everyday. He's in good health and in great shape. A sweetheart throughout. I pray for his health to be good always, a sound mind, body and soul. A heart to love you more. Amen!
