Birthdays have always been a big deal to me. I remember when I was a child and the magic that surrounded my birthday was so vivid and alive I could see it hanging in the air as light, sparkly wisps around my room. My mom has always been big on traditions and holidays. Even to this day she still will remember my half-birthday, and even to this day her remembering feels so precious. Recently there was discussion on a list I belong to and a friend was talking about traditions and how they eventually take on a life of their own, and it then feels imperative, primal even, to keep them alive year after year. I loved this as it rings so true for me. It just feels plain wrong to not keep special traditions alive. Not that I will drag everyone by their heels kicking and screaming just to check it off my list of yearly traditions, I can be flexible, but by taking an inventory of those traditions that are nearest and dearest and finding a way to fit them into our lives in a meaningful way.
I want my children to look back at holidays and birthdays fondly as a time of family, and love, and magic- so, Soleil's 2nd Birthday was something to celebrate! My little girl takes my breath away with every flash of her dangerously adorable dimples. It has been an honor to watch her grow this year into this happy, self-assured, cuddle-bug personality with spirit and soul coming out of her ears.
a painting I did for her birthday
The birthday altar. A very special tradition. 
Since Soleil's birthday falls on Saint Lucia's Day , and her name means Sun, and she is such a light that brings joy and happiness wherever she goes, it seems inspired that we have a Saint Lucia celebration too. Above is Xavier in his star boy hat that he helped to make and that he was very specific about how he wanted it to look. Traditionally the eldest daughter brings in a tray of Lucia Buns, gingersnaps, and hot chocolate to her parents in the morning accompanied by an attendant and a star boy. We modified this a little after last year's hot chocolate spilled all over the bed and opted to just bring Soleil her presents and saved the food for the kitchen.
It was delicious by the way.
And so as her birthday came to a close Chris and I shared a sigh of contentment. Seeing our baby turn two is bittersweet for us, but we wanted the day to be pure sweet for her.
It felt full and comfortable.
Happy Birthday Soleil.
You are the Light of my Heart.
4 comments:
Happy Birthday Soleil!! Cannot believe our babes are two! I've been remembering when we were both pregnant and I was just recently looking at the slides I had from my Blessingway with you & Travis, it seems like so long ago, yet almost like it was yesterday.
Anyway I love the altar, what a great idea. Also lov e your painting, very whimsical.
Julie,
Crazy isn't it? I know it's such a cliche, but they grow up too fast. Have to cherish every moment.
I loved your Blessingway. What a beautiful memory.
I love your painting, too!
It's beautiful.
ps - how funny that we all made snowmen! :)
hey aubs! so fun to see your cute kids...looks like you're doing good! love ya
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