Birthday Redux

Last night at my sister and brother-in-law's place, the family celebrated with pizza and cake in honor of birthdays. My sister's friend and I were both recognized for getting older this week, but the real guest of honor was my nephew and Godson, Jackson, who celebrated his very first ever birthday. Sitting comfortably in his customized birthday present, Jack looked like a miniaturized Alistair Cooke introducing an episode of Mashed Peas Theater.

While any kid's first birthday is a noteworthy occasion, Jack's carried a special importance as we all remembered his dramatic entrance one year ago. As most folks reading this know, Jack arrived eight weeks sooner than expected while my sister and brother-in-law were visiting family in Albany, New York. He was a fragile little guy of just 1 pound 12 ounces, but received excellent care both in Albany and at home in Chicago. Since then he's been doing great and outgrowing his clothes faster than loving relatives can raid Old Navy.

Jack carefully observed the candle-blowing-out ritual and I think even made notes for future birthdays. He also enjoyed watching his audience sing "Happy Birthday" no fewer than five times. The only disappointing moment came when refused to participate in the time-honored custom of smashing one's first birthday cake into oblivion. Tradition dictates that no baby's first birthday party is complete until the cake is appropriately smeared in hair, ground in clothing and jammed in facial openings so well that Mom is picking out crusty bits of ear frosting days later.

Despite the crowd of paparazzi waiting to catch a great photo of Jack wearing his dessert, he just didn't appreciate this rare instance when grownups would allow, nay, demand such irresponsible behavior with food. Luckily there are two more family gatherings this weekend that will present such an opportunity ... if Jack doesn't get with the program and start respecting cake for it's curative properties when applied topically, I'm sitting him down in the comfy chair for a serious talk.