Wow, Chloe is a year old! Where has the year gone? I can’t believe it’s been a whole year already. When Ellie’s first birthday came around, I was ready. I ready for her to be one. I was ready for the next step. Her first year did not go by fast and her birthday was as much of a celebration for us surviving it as it was for her becoming one. But for Chloe, just as this post is late, I’ve felt behind this whole year.
I feel like the majority of Chloe’s first year was her sleeping quietly in the corner in her car seat during Ellie’sart class, story time, Japanese school, or at the playground. She was always there quietly sleeping or just observing, taking in her surroundings not making a sound. And while she sat alone watching, Ellie commanded all of my time and attention.
As the weeks turned into months, I forgot Chloe was growing. In my mind she is still three weeks old. “She’s crawling and eating solids already!?” I’d think, not realizing she was already seven months old.
And now, at a year old she’s walking. Full blown walking! WALKING! And not only that, she has a mouth full of teeth. When did this happen? Where was I?
In a way, I feel like I’ve missed her whole first year. Even though I’ve spent all day every day with her, somehow I’ve missed it.
That’s why I was so excited to celebrate her first birthday. I was so proud of her and her accomplishments and developments. The spotlight could finally be on her for awhile, and she totally deserved it.
Last year when Aya started to go into labor, we were at Greenfield Village with Ellie on the carousel. We decided that would be a fitting place to take Chloe for her birthday. For a ride on the carousel. The cool part of it was that one of the workers from last year was there and remembered us! When we explained we were here for Chloe’s birthday she was just so excited and glad she got to be a part of our story again.
Not only did Chloe get to ride the carousel for her birthday, she got an extra special treat. My in-laws were in town visiting all the way from Japan so she got to celebrate with both sets of grandparents. It’s always nice when we can all come together as a family. And in spirit of our multicultural family, I made pumpkin chili for dinner, and a Japanese strawberry shortcake for dessert (which turned out pretty good if I do say so myself).
Ellie was extra sweet to Chloe too. “Happy birthday Chloe!” she shouted followed by hugs and kisses. “My birthday’s next,” she let us know so we wouldn’t forget. She also helped Chloe open all her gifts and show her what to do. Such a good big sister.
We all had a great time and I was thankful to celebrate with all the family. Chloe isn’t three weeks old anymore. She is a full blown one year old and charging full steam ahead and absorbing everything she can. She has such a unique personality all to her own, and I’m excited to see her grow and blossom year after year.
Happy Birthday Chloe! We love you!!!
