Birthday Surprises

Birthdays with children always seem to be extra special. My husband works late so the children were forced to wait until after a late dinner to watch mommy open her birthday presents. My amazing husband trucked my 5 and 2 year old out to the stores so they could choose their presents. Each of my boys wanted to help me open their presents so I knew who picked what. I was eager to see what my little wonders thought I might like.

My two year old is a cheese and chip kind of kid. So it was no surprise when he helped me open a crinkly package. "It's chips, it's chips...can I have some?" I couldn't help but smile from one ear to the next. My answer, "Let's wait until tomorrow since you had SO much cake."

My five year old, who is incredibly sensitive and thoughtful, surprised me. I was expecting the typical piece of clothing or stuffed animal. Not for me. With each gift came a thoughtful explanation. I got yummy smelling lotion since I'm "always itching", a thistle bird feeder since I "love to watch Grandma's hummingbirds", and a blue cover for my iPad since "I'm always on it."

My heart swelled with all the thought that was put into each gift. Little did they know that the best gift was the day they were born. Birthday surprises may come once a year, but with kids (whether they are yours or the ones in your classroom) they come every day.