It is brother birthday week 2022 in the Rodriguez Home!
The days of saying I have a 4-, 5-, and 6-year old are coming to an end. I always chuckle at people’s stunned facial reaction to that fact. Although I must admit, I am not sure how many more times I can hear: “wow! you guys were busy!” First, that’s a comment on our sex life. Weird! Second, that’s an assumption that all three are biological. But, I digress.
Our big boys are turning 6- and 7- years old this week, and their birthdays always land me in all the feelings.
I think back to the little 1- and 2-year old brothers who walked through our door just before Christmas in 2017. Oh how they have grown! I think about how I am so grateful to be their second and forever mama. I reflect on our life before them, and it is just so hard to picture anymore.
I think of their birth mother and how I wish I could transmit a message directly from my heart to hers: They are safe, growing and thriving. They are loved fiercely by us and our entire extended family. They are okay. More than okay.
Such is life for an adoptive mother. Eternally grateful for the blessing of being their mother. Eternally grieving for their first mother.
I still have so much to do for birthday week! Trying not to feel overwhelmed, and take it one thing at a time.
Birthday Week To-Do’s
- Brother gifts x2: I take the two brothers to choose a gift from each of them to the birthday brother. Such a sweet tradition in which I am always amazed at how much they know one another and how thoughtful they are in their gift-giving.
- Birthday decorations x2: surprise decorations for them to wake up to on their birthday.
- Treats to celebrate at school with their class x2
- Packing list and pack: Instead of birthday parties this year, we are celebrating the kids’ birthdays with trips to amusement parks with all their grandparents.
- Birthday cakes x2
On top of birthday week, it is also Red Ribbon Week (daily dress up days), Halloween event season/class parties, school fundraiser season, and Car’s first Kindergarten field trip that I am chaperoning.
I am truly not sure how my head is on straight this week, but by the grace of God, it is.
I am soaking in the sweetness of this busy week with a heart full of gratitude and a big cup of coffee.
Happy Birthday Week my big boys! I love everything about watching you grow.