We're now less than two weeks away from Christmas. For the past couple months I've written these weekly posts, I've generally adhered to the same template - first, a general paragraph or several about just recent happenings in life; second, an update on my goal of pursuing a healthier lifestyle; and third, an update on my primary hobby and personal passion, the books that I have been reading or am reading. I'm departing from that format for this week, taking a hiatus as it were, for a variety of reasons, but primarily because tomorrow is Maia's 8th birthday and we spent the last couple days celebrating that the best way we could amidst the pandemic.
Our tradition in our family for birthdays, instead of getting each other gifts such as toys, clothes, etc., we try to do something together as a family, have an experience. Sometimes this is as "simple" as having lunch out and going to a movie theater for the latest release; other times we have taken trips to a big city zoo or to a state park for hiking trails; and have even used it as our "reason" to go to Great Wolf Lodge or Disney World. Obviously, this year, such things were not possible.
So, we decided to have a family slumber party on Friday night, where the three of us ordered pizza, stayed up late watching a movie and eating snacks, and slept downstairs. As with the lesson I learned with Halloween this year (don't project your own disappointments on what cannot be done onto your children), Maia had so much fun with this, and we did too. Jackie and I started our tradition of doing "experiences" for birthdays because we wanted to build a structure into our traditions that would help us take time for each other, make memories, in a world that is increasingly hectic and constantly tugging at our attentions. Considering these priorities, the experience this year definitely hit the mark.
Today we celebrated Maia's birthday virtually with her grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. It was both good - in seeing everyone and knowing that Maia could still see family that cares about her, even from a distance - and challenging - as with so many things this year, we know its just not the same and understanding why is coupled with knowing what has been lost. All that said, Maia was excited all day, constantly asking us how long it was until the party started. She had her favorite meal - hot dogs with ketchup - and her favorite dessert, cheesecake. Now she is happily playing with new toys and talking about new things she wants to buy with some money she received.
With everything that has happened this year, I'm grateful for this simple moment of normal joys.
Taking a step back, I truly cannot imagine that Maia will be 8 years old. There is a cliche about kids growing up so fast, but on days like today the truth hits you. 8 years seems like such a long time; yet, I can remember holding Maia when fit in the crook of my elbow to hand like a football. Just over 8 years ago we did not know Maia yet and wondered if we would ever have children, and 8 years from now Maia will be driving (yikes!).
Time, in how we experience it, remember it, and plan for it, is always fickle. Its a good day to take that step back, appreciate what the previous 8 years has brought, and look forward to the adventures and challenges the next 8 years and beyond will bring.
Hard to believe this little tyke is now 8.
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