Birthdays

Now He Thinks He Is Four

/ Dawn Kasal-Finley / 3 Comments

Yesterday, Noah had his birthday party with his friends–just a mere 10 days before his birthday.  It is difficult planning a birthday party and ideally it would have been next weekend but the venue we had chosen was already booked for the entire weekend–they do 4 birthday parties on Saturday and 3 on Sunday.  It’s a popular place.  But the kids had a blast.  About half of his class was able to attend–his schools is on Spring break this week so many of his friends are out of town.  But it was perfect.  There were 13 kids total and it was the perfect amount for playing.

But now he is “4” and is so excited.  He has been waiting a long time to be 4.  Nearly all of the kids in his class are already 4 and his is one of the last ones.  There is one kids in his class that is younger than him–everyone else 4.  He lobbied hard in November that his birthday should be moved to December as that would be a better month.  March was just too far away.

I just can’t believe that our little man is four–is going to be four in 9 days.  I still remember it like yesterday picking him up in Ethiopia and looking at him just hoping and praying that he would make it–he was so sick and weak.  But our love helped him flourish and look at him now.  He’s amazing.  I couldn’t have dreamed up a more amazing kid. 

While in Louisville, I visited the Louisville Slugger factory and got Noah a real baseball bat–he’s been practicing baseball at home–he’s got a bit of an affinity for hitting and throwing–and he had asked for a real bat.  He was so excited and surprised to get the bat for his birthday. It’s a little big/heavy for him but I wanted to get him one he could grow into and not out off too quickly.

His real birthday is going to be a bit anti-climatic especially since the Easter Bunny comes 4 days after his real birthday.  But he certainly isn’t complaining.

A Birthday Boy

/ Dawn Kasal-Finley / 6 Comments

Noah will be three tomorrow–he thinks he is already three since we had his birthday party yesterday.  I can’t believe he is already 3.  More about his party later but here are a few pictures.

A big thanks to Micah for the DJ Lance Hat.  It’s a huge hit at our house.

37

/ Dawn Kasal-Finley / 8 Comments

Today I turned 37.  I am not exactly sure how I feel about that–I am certainly happy to be alive. But 37 is so much closer to 40.  I never use to worry about getting old.  I actually welcomed each birthday and was happy to creep up in age.  But last year, turning 36 really got me.  I think part of it is because I am still in school working towards my dream.  I feel as though I should be closer.  I guess I am closer to my dream but I certainly am not where I thought I would be at this age.  I thought my kids would be older and that we would be better off financially. 

I know I can’t measure my success against that of anyone else, I just feel behind.  I know that I have yet to live half of my life and that really the best is ahead of me.  I am just not that happy about the years moving as fast as they have.  I certainly know that they won’t be moving any slower. 

I have had an awesome Birthday Weekend so far.  I’ll post more about it on Tuesday.  Have a great weekend.

My Dear Minnow

/ Dawn Kasal-Finley / 2 Comments

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Where have you gone? Last night you went to sleep a sweet little one-year-old and woke up this morning a full-fledged two-year old.  Happy Birthday my sweet baby boy.  Well, I guess you aren’t a baby anymore.  You are now officially two.  How fast time flies.  It feels as though only yesterday we were in Ethiopia picking you up and bringing you home.  How much you have changed from that tiny little boy who couldn’t sit up or roll over.  Now you run everywhere you go.  I am pretty sure that you don’t know what walk means–even though you ask to do it all the time. 

You make your dad and me smile every day and your happiness lights up our life beyond explanation.  There is something very special about you Minnow.  You have made me a better person and your spirit lifts me up when I am feeling down.  You are quickly growing into your own person.  You are much more expressive about what you want and what you don’t.  You are happiest when you are the center of attention and you love being around other people.  You say hello to and smile at nearly everyone that you meet. 

Your laugh is absolutely infectious and you laugh constantly.  I have been completely unable to discipline you–I am sure I will pay for that later, but you don’t do things…well let me stop there.  I am usually laughing as you do the things you shouldn’t because you are quite a funny child.  I will have to get better at that or you will have a hard time.  But right now we are having too much fun and there will be endless rules as you get older.  So for now if you want to throw the occasional crayon in delight and karate chop me while we are playing and laughing then have at it son. 

You have changed so much over this last year.  You are outspoken, gregarious and social beyond my own comfort level.  Just yesterday at Borders you walked up to an older lady, sat down next to her and proceeded to “tell” her a story non-stop for nearly 5 minutes.  You get that from me your father says.  I don’t know where you get that from.  I get great joy from seeing the smile on a strangers face as you talk to them and smile.  You have a powerful gift Minnow and I hope to be able to help you foster and develop that gift to change the world. 

You are currently going through a phase now where you don’t really have time to eat.  You are non-stop action.  You run and play and jump and clap and sing and dance and color and ride your bike and play the drums and the harmonica and the guitar and watch a little tv.  Then 15 minutes later you start the circuit all over again.  You keep me on my toes. 

My favorite time of day is just before nap time when we snuggle on the couch.  I love holding you.  I know those moments are fleeting as pretty soon you will be too big to snuggle in mommy’s lap.  I can’t bear to think about that day.  For now, I will enjoy the moments we have. 

Oh, Minnow there is so much more I could say. There is so much more you have done.  But today at the end of your birthday all I can remember is you taking my face in your hands, kissing me and saying “gnite mama.” 

Good Night Minnow.  Happy Second Birthday.  I look forward to many many more.