I am thrilled to report that I made it through all of the birthday celebrations without going into labor, so that the focus could be on Ruby and how far she's come in the past three years.
The Sunday before her birthday, we threw a big birthday party at our house. I wavered back and forth for a long time about whether we should have a very small, low-key party or go all-out and have a big party. On the one hand, I was 37 weeks pregnant the weekend of her party, and I feared I would not have the energy to plan and host a large affair. On the other hand, we really wanted to give Ruby a very special birthday not only to celebrate the anniversary of the day all of our lives became more than what we ever thought they could be, but also to cherish the final birthday of Ruby being an only child. With Ruby and Baby Sister's birthdays being so close together, there is a likelihood of many joint birthday parties in their future, and we wanted to give Ruby her "last hoorah."
I happened to meet a woman through my search for interior decorators who specialized in performing random creative tasks, including planning parties. We decided to enlist her help in planning and decorating the party so that I could enjoy the day without over-exerting myself. She ended up creating an event that was, aside from our wedding, the most beautiful party we've ever (and probably ever will) throw.
The theme for the party (because all modern kids' parties must have a theme) was music, hence the vintage sheet music pinwheels and the musical chalkboard placemats that were given out as favors. Ruby's favorite music teacher, Andrew put on a performance that was enjoyed by both kids and adults, and especially by Ruby.
It was such a wonderful day, and we were so happy to spend it with so many of Ruby's good friends!
We spent the day of Ruby's actual birthday last Thursday doing some of Ruby's favorite things as a family. Steve took off from work, and my parents had arrived just before the birthday party (and plan to stay through the summer to help with the new baby). We started the day with waffle-making and the reveal of Ruby's big birthday present - a dollhouse!
One of Ruby's favorite pastimes is riding on various forms of transportation, and top among them are boats.
We took a paddle boat around Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park, and Ruby was our fearless captain.
After the boat ride, we enjoyed high tea at the Secret Garden Teahouse, where Ruby nibbled and sipped and exercised the manners of a proper little lady.
Happy birthday, Ruby! You are an amazement at every age!
