Everything

Austin walks in to day care and announces to everyone, "Did you KNOW that today is MY BIRTHDAY?"

No one knows and no one is nearly as excited as he is.  When I drop him off at his class they say "Is it really his birthday?"  They are so surprised, I guess, because I didn't come with cookies or cupcakes for him to share with all his little friends.... we will celebrate later.  I want to be there to share in a birthday celebration I pay for.  I go to the reception desk to pay for parent's night out.  She asks me. "What are you doing this weekend for his birthday, other than bringing him to parent's night out?"  First of all, I hope she was joking.  Second of all, I'm celebrating with him on his birthday and having a party before I bring him.  Third of all, he would be there even if it was on his actual birthday, but then I probably would have brought cookies.

I asked Austin what his favorite part of his birthday... He said everything.  We didn't do anything really special, just what I knew he would like.  Chuck E. Cheese (I always think it should be Chucky Cheese) and McDonald's in one day?!?!?!  I think that we got enough tokens that he actually got bored with the games.  I could tell that he was ready to go because he didn't cry when I told him it was time to go.  When we cashed in our tickets for prizes, all they wanted was candy. 

Counter Lady: "Your mommy probably wants you to get something other than just candy."

Me: "Give them whatever they ask for."

CL: "Whoa!  You have a cool mom!"

Kids in unison "I know."

Me- smiles from ear to ear.

Things like this let me know, in my book, that I'm doing something right.  I want my kids to think I'm cool.  I am going to take full advantage of it while I can.  I know it will come to a point where they would much rather be with their friends than their mom on their birthday, but right now I am the coolest person they know.  Granted they don't know a lot of people, but I'll take it.  This being said, they still know who is boss and I still make them do things that are not cool, even if they are "not my friend anymore." 

I had fun on his birthday too.  We got pop rocks and put them on our ice cream.  Megan wanted to know when the popping in her mouth was going to stop.  I taught my my kids how to eat fun dip.  I got a kick out of the conversation where I had to keep telling her to "lick it and keep sticking it in"  That was just another one of the many times where she looks at me and asks, "Mommy what are you laughing at?"  And one day I will tell her... just because that's the type of mom I am because of the type of dad I have (a dad that loves to say "that's what she said")  

I still can't believe that he is five.  He will start kindergarten in less than two months.  He will forever be my little boy, but he's not that little anymore.  One day he won't ask for kisses anymore and he will roll his eyes when I try to give him one.  But for now, I will soak up every moment of being the coolest person he knows.