Half a Decade!

It's so very difficult to believe that it's been half a decade already. Half a decade of this very blog being in existence which, of course, was prompted by the coming of our very first baby, Irini. And what a beautiful, wonderful, memorable, love-filled, awe-inspiring, joyful five years it's been!  Irini has grown so fast, so beautifully, so perfectly. She is a confident, happy, well-balanced and respectful young lady now and, of course, with that (much to daddy's chagrin) come the birthday parties with little princess outfits and trinkets. This time around it was beads and jewelry making. Daddy stood a bit further back thinking about what ever happened to those dreams of his daughter growing into the next super-athlete of the world. What happened to the climbing of trees and the playing in the mud? No, this was more like mommy's dreams. She was happily involved in the making of bracelets and necklacases and, in all fairness, all the children loved it, both boys and girls. The pool, of course, was the regular backdrop and was enjoyed by all, daddy included. :-)

Then there was the cake... ahh, the cake. It always strikes fear in Irini who hates being sung to (even though she loves singing to others). This time all - parents and children alike - knew that no song would be sung, nor applause of any type would be given. Still Irini, in realizing that the moment had arrived, pulled away and demanded to be left alone. Thankfully her tia's quick wit and problem solving brought her back with the request that she help hand the cup cakes to everyone there. Now that was something she was happy to do, and so the group went back to its natural ebb and flow of party antics and chocolate covered smiles. 

A few days later we received a note from Irini's teacher, Mrs. Curtis. She knew that Irini's birthday had come and gone and wanted to celebrate at school as well. This time around things got even better. Mommy had made ice-cream cake, filled with oreo cookie filling, and instead of a birthday song Irini was asked to identify a song she liked to sing with her friends. She chose "If You're Happy and You Know It" and sang it enthusiastically in unison with the others. No standing out. No center of attention or congratulations. Later, when ice cream time came around, she happily wore her birthday hat and served her friends. It was a perfect event. 

Our little girl is growing faster than we would want her to. We are torn, of course, between wanting her to grow and develop and stay exactly like this. In her first five years she has inspired us and filled us with great joy. She is as close to perfect as a parent or sister could ask.  She has made our lives that much fuller. She has been what we always wanted and so much more than we had ever dreamed of. Happy birthday Irinoula. We love you completely!