The Funny Thing...

About babies and weather? They're unpredictable. So while you might think you're going to have a baby in a certain place, you may end up having him on the stairs. And while you might think that having an outdoor party in July is pretty much a sure thing, because after all, it's the Midwest in July and it never rains during the day, ever, so little rain that the grass turns brown and the flowers wilt... you might end up with thunderstorms.

This was the view outside at exactly 1:30 yesterday. The start time of Tommy's party.

You can't see the driving rain because it was coming in SIDEWAYS, but if you look at the trees, you can see how they're blowing. The balloons that I carefully tied to the mailbox before the party started? Gone. The guests? Either sitting in the driveway waiting for a break in the weather or pulled over on the side of the road somewhere because they couldn't see. People would pull in, and I would open up the door to wave and let them know they were at the right place, then I'd close it against the rain.
The party that was supposed to be outside ended up inside, everyone sitting on the living room floor or in the thankfully dry garage, while Shane and our dads grilled in the driving rain.

But the food? Was delicious.

The babies? Caused all sorts of trouble and sported awesome hair.

And then, just like that, as quickly as it came, the storm left. The skies cleared. The kids went outside. The grownups moved off the floor and into chairs.
We opened presents. I had the best helpers ever.

At any given time, there were three presents being opened at once. It was awesome. I love how kids just jump right in.



How special it was to be able to celebrate his birthday on the exact day he was born. How blessed we are to be able to celebrate with so many who love us, so many who have helped us over this past year.

Do you think he knows how lucky he is?

I think he does.