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For anyone familiar with the “Elephant and Piggie” books…I am undoubtedly Gerald. The serious, pessimistic, over-reactionary Elephant who is always placated by Piggie, his light-hearted, optimistic, go-with-the flow best buddy. Eloise’s 5th birthday party last weekend cemented that comparison. I had planned every detail of this carnival party, the biggest we have ever thrown, for months. Found the perfect park pavilion, a great bounce house, invited a balloon artist, a glitter tattoo artist, and all of Eloise’s classmates. We like to do-up the kids’ birthdays…we celebrate every happy moment we can…but we don’t always go this big. But 5 is special. Five is big.

The day before the party, Eloise came down with a cold. I pulled a Gerald and completely freaked out. But, as they say, the show must go on. We moved forwards with plans, and held our breath. I had stressed about the weather for a month and fretted about backup options. The day of the party, we woke up to the most perfect weather day possible: 77 degrees, sunny, breezy. CHECK! Eloise magically felt all better. CHECK! And then…an hour before the party…all of my decoration plans failed. Table clothes ripped, helium tanks were found to be empty, tarps and signs that I had spent weeks prepping fell down. Again…Gerald. Then the bounce house collapsed when a few kids were inside (no one was hurt, thank god, but COME ON!) and Jimmy John’s decided to bring lunch an hour and a half prematurely. (%$&?!!!!) Mega Gerald.  Luckily, Mike, my Dad, my Mom, Eloise, and Mae served as my Piggies. Deep breath…the show must go on.

And, despite a very bumpy start…it all turned out great. Eloise had an absolute blast. All of the kids enjoyed bouncing, getting balloon swords and hats, and glitter tattoos, and racing up and down the giant hill in the park (surprise bonus activity!). All of our guests were wonderful, and Mike and I had such a nice time getting to know Eloise’s friends and their parents better. No, I didn’t get to take as many photos as I wanted to, which is so disappointing for me. (MUST hire a photographer friend next time!). And no, I didn’t get a glitter tattoo (my inner 5 year-old self is still bummed…they were so cool!). But, seeing Eloise’s smile, and watching her best buddy twirl in the pavilion chanting “best party ever!” at the end made everything worth it.

Will I ever learn to “go with the flow” and not over-react? Probably not. It’s a Soares family joke that I’m undoubtedly the first of us to throw the baby out with the bath water when things don’t go as planned. I am who I am. I am Gerald. Thank God for all of the Piggies in my life.

Next year, Eloise is getting a hug and a kiss for her birthday. (Just kidding. Maybe.)

Dear Eloise,

I blinked…and now you are five. When I think back to what life was like 5 years ago yesterday, I can’t really remember. Or maybe, more truthfully, I don’t want to. Because I can’t imagine my life without hearing your laughter, silly jokes, and frequent “I love yous.” You are such a smart, fun, kind, awesome person, who never ceases to surprise, impress, and amaze me. I love being your mom, and I love that you’re turning into one of my best buddies.

You are the light of my life, little girl. Happy Birthday!

Love,

Mommy