One of the qualities I appreciate about Ian is his childlike wonder. Special moments such as birthdays and Christmas have yet to become commonplace to a boy whose appearance each day looks more like a young man but whose heart is still that of a child. This year we faced a dilemma as he was eagerly counting down the days to his 12th birthday on December 9, but Pedro and Eva were scheduled to be away at that time. So we decided to surprise him with cake, candles and friends a few days before his actual birthday.
Somehow we convinced both Ian and Silas to play together in the boys' bedroom while balloons were blown up and strung and the table was set for company. While we always miss our stateside family on special occasions, it was meaningful to have loving stand-in "grandparents" with Aunt Pam and Uncle Jon, and Tia Isabel and Tio Pedro joining us for Ian's birthday lunch. Another special guest was Ian's friend Cristobal, a boy his age who has become a great buddy through basketball and who also lives nearby.
Cristobal's mom told me that she was unsure about the gift they chose for Ian, but her son was absolutely certain that his friend would love it - and he did! They gave Ian his very own tool box and tool set. For a tactile kid and a handyman in the making, it was a great decision. Ian had also asked us for a bike chain and bike headlights. We were happy to provide them because we love that he enjoys the exercise and socializing that accompanies his bike riding!
Unfortunately, there was one part of our surprise we did not think through well and that was preparing little brother Silas. He is the consummate lover of birthdays and at just four years old does not understand that his is still many months away. So when he came downstairs with Ian and found a crowd waiting to yell, "Surprise! Happy Birthday!" his excitement leapt only to be following by crushing disappointment and tears. Later we found out that he was also sincerely frightened by the sudden shouts. We ended up doing pre-school damage control before the party was properly started, but eventually he came around (and sat as close to the cake and presents and birthday brother as humanly possible!)
As is our custom, we took turns going around the table to state what each one of us loves about the birthday boy. Ian's smile, sense of humor, hard work, and other attributes were mentioned and praised. And after cake and ice cream, Pedro and the boys headed to "part two" of the birthday as they ventured to the bowling alley together. Overall it seems all the kids enjoyed the outing and hopefully Ian felt loved and celebrated by everyone who participated in his special day.
Dear Ian,
How time continues to fly by and you are now twelve years old! What an exciting number for you, as in Chile it means you can compete for the front passenger seat with your siblings now. :) It also means we have only one pre-teen year left with the smiling little boy who captured our hearts in Haiti a dozen years ago and continues to teach us so much.
Ian, your name means "God is gracious" or "gift from God" and that is truly what you are to our family. Because of circumstances outside your control as a very tiny baby, there are certain struggles unique to you as you grow and mature. Yet God has given us the privilege of learning alongside you what it means to be persistent and patient and forgiving and kind. Mom and Dad fail often, yet I hope that we have demonstrated to you our commitment and care and that you know beyond a shadow of doubt that we are rooting for you to succeed!
We love you, Ian, and are so thankful for your wonder and joy and creativity. Happy 12th Birthday and may this year be full of wonderful blessings from God for your life!
All my love,
Mommy
Birthday Posts by Year:
Ian's 11th birthday post
Ian's 10th birthday post
Ian's 9th birthday post
Ian's 8th birthday post
Ian's 7th birthday post
Ian's 6th birthday post
Ian's 5th birthday post
Ian's 4th birthday post
Ian's 3rd birthday post
Ian's 2nd birthday post
Ian's 1st birthday post
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