My soon to be three year old...

Henry had the days counted down to him today by his daddy for his upcoming birthday. There are 6.

And he has been floating all day with the thought of this upcoming celebration.

If we mention it he says, "My birthday today?"
We then remind him in 6 days...January 4th.
As I clean up for New Years today he thinks we are prepping for his party. 

He has talked about a party. Sadly, I don't think he is going to have a party. But now there is this gut wrenching twist in my stomach that says I NEED to bring on the streamers and the kids. Since he took in Charley's first kid birthday, he is envisioning this for himself. But we had stated this doesn't start until Kindergarten - but he is too little to get that. I truly think on his day if we do some special family activities, open some presents, and see a friend he is going to be thrilled.

And I tell myself this.

But then moments pass and he wanders to my side and his little hand finds my knee and he says, "Mama, I have cupcakes at my party? I invite Elly?" and I now have tears as he walks away proudly, not waiting to even hear my response.

So...anyone want to come to this little guy's party...what to do? Even though Charley didn't have friend parties early - he had family come because it was a better time of year for travel. This time of year is hard with weather, holidays, etc.

But this is just what I fear about Henry's position in the family...middle child. He deserves to feel all powerful on his birthday. And we will make that happen...with or without a big party...that involves Charley's friends or our extended relatives...because he is too shy around the friends he could claim as his own. 

Tuesday will be big.
It will be big!
Especially for me his mama.