Last night as I was putting him to bed, I told him again a bit about the night he “came out of my belly.” How I woke up and felt like he was coming that day, how Mame rubbed my feet to get things moving, how we were living in our old house and I went for a walk, and then hours later to the hospital, and then I pushed him out and there he was! All 7 pounds and ten ounces of him, and how I fell in love with him immediately and knew that I would love and protect this boy for the rest of my life. Sometimes he asks, “but how did I get in your belly??” “God put you there!” When is the correct time for the talk? I’ve been loving this boy with my whole heart for years now. Truth be told, long before he ever came out of my belly. I loved being pregnant with him and felt so totally attached to him as soon as I found out I was pregnant. (You can see a lot of the little letters I used to write him here. As an aside, I always love to read comments from those of you who’ve been following along that long and have literally watched these kids grow up from the beginning. Years, guys!)
Anyway, the day started as all of the Hunt birthdays do: breakfast in bed. This year, he chose a puffed pancake, berries, and orange juice. Dad got him a pack of watermelon gum which is gold to this boy. Anders helped by bringing the balloons up. He asked several times, “When is it my birthday?” December feels a long way off to a three-year old. We talked about it when it’ll be his turn as he sat sleepy-eyed on the counter while I made breakfast. The forecast was showing spotty showers so we asked if he’d like to go to SkyZone knowing he’d love that idea. One thing you should know about Parker–he’s had almost no true birthday parties because he always requests that it just be the family. It has everything to do with his timidity and how he doesn’t want attention on him–particularly when singing the birthday song. One day, when he’s ready, I’m throwing him a big summer birthday party and we’ll sing, and loud!ย outfit: {top / pants} Can’t get over how much his face has changed just with the two front teeth coming in. So much.ย Before dinner, I wanted to get a few pictures. A moment in time, me and my seven year old. Our soon-to-be first grader. One of the cuddliest kids we know. As we sat down to dinner, videos from people who love him and who he loves kept coming in to my phone–friends and family singing happy birthday to him. I kept calling him back to my phone, “Another one!” He’d watch it with a big smile on his face. He’s so beloved, and not just among his family. He’s kind and sweet and easy to be around. His dinner request–steak, corn on the cob, and blackberries! Anders did not want to take off his SkyZone sticker, or socks, all day. The corn on the cob spray made the picture!ย A watch! And some NERF stuff, Zoob builderz, pretend secret service earbuds from Lindsey and Legos from William. Anders was front and center for the whole process.Parker, happy seventh birthday to you. I know you know this, but I like saying it over and over (and over) again: I love you so much. You’re one of the best people I know. One of the greatest gifts in my life. I’m so glad you’re mine and I’m yours. You’re kind, and so long as you remember the importance of that always, you will go far. Happiest birthday my sweet boy. To many, many more. I can’t wait to watch you grow.
Memory lane: {birth story} {favorite video ever} {to all the soon-to-be-mamas} {dear parker}
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Happy birthday to Parker! Looks like he really enjoyed his birthday celebrations! ๐
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Lea Andrew says
What a sweet, sweet boy! I love that he’s never had a big party and prefers family. You are a wonderful Mother to not PUSH one on him. Happy Birthday Parker!
Ashley says
Happy day after your birthday, Parker! I love the way you speak about your children. The love is so evident.
Jes says
โค๏ธ
Kandie says
Happy Birthday to the cutest little dude!!
I too am a parent of the “please do not sing Happy Birthday to me” group ๐ My son is 11 and still requests no one sing to him on his birthday. I used to think it was him being bratty, but it really is a thing! Do you find it hard to explain to people that don’t get it? I find even family members get so miffed when I explain (nicely) we don’t sing to my son. They get annoyed that I respect his wishes. Just curious how you handle it, if at all.
As far as the “talk” time goes, it’s never too early to discuss anything. I wanted my kids to start feeling comfortable at a young age and to be open (and mature) to what are awkward conversations at times. I also don’t want my kids to get the wrong information from their friends (I also explain not to share the information I give them to their friends as it is their friend’s parent responsibility to explain those things) . Rather have the talk too early than too late IMO. But, for my kiddos I must’ve explained the same story until my son was about 10 until he really understood the process. Your story works just fine for now ๐
bridget says
yes, totally not bratty! just those ‘please no attention on me!’ types! i haven’t really needed to explain it much to anyone but close family b/c we’ve never had a party!! and he doesn’t totally mind when the immediate family sings to him. so last night, we did sing (even had two of our neighbor girls over and he was still okay with it… well, allowed it anyway, ha!).
you’re right… maybe i’ll begin broaching the real talk next time he brings it up ๐
Julie Hood says
Awwww!!! I am dyinggg that he always requests it to be just family! He’s only 7 and he’s got his priorities in order ๐ You are just the sweetest mom, telling him about how everyone loves him and how he was born…gah. It’s just all too cute!!!
Maria says
Happy Happy Birthday Parker! I have been reading since before he was born! Where does the time go! I do miss the days of E Tells Tales and Across the Pond. Yours + Aspiring Kennedy are/were my 4 favs, now down to 2! So fun to watch Parker grow up and develop into such a sweet young man! As an aside, do you have the Frame TV? If so, how do you like it?
bridget says
gosh, what I would give for those two to start blogging again!
love the tv!! yes, the frame!
Elizabeth says
This made me tear up! I started following your blog when you were pregnant with Parker!!!
Amy says
It would never occur to me to not answer truthfully when my kids ask me how a baby is made. My oldest asked when he was four, I went to the library and chose an age-appropriate book about it and he learned. I was looking at his face as I read the bit about the penis going in the vagina expecting him to make a face or something but nothing, no big deal. They are learning so many things when they are young, a lot of which seem crazy to them that sex is no big deal to them.
Jennifer says
I still remember his first birthday video, although it does feel like eons ago that I watched it. I also ended up downloading the two songs from that video because I loved them so much. Although, how can you not love Van Morrison?
bridget says
Van Morrison forever and for always.
kimberly oyler says
can we all take a second to talk about your arms??? what workout are you doing these days?
also, full disclosure, iโm not a parent- but you should go check out @allthingsneena on insta and watch her โhard talksโ highlights. she gives super good advice and practical tips about โthe talk.โ i think her perspective and approach is different than most. ๐
bridget says
thanks girl!! i’ll check that insta out.
i’m just lifting! various arm workouts (at a gym)… some free weights/machines. shoulders/tris/biceps/etc.! no real rhyme or reason. just lifting heavier, fewer reps.
michelle says
I started reading your blog before Parker was even an idea! Oh how fast time flies! What fun on his birthday, happy birthday parker!
bridget says
that is so crazy michelle — and i know you as a long time reader. i’m so grateful!