My nephew and I have the pleasure of having birthdays one day apart—his is this Wednesday and mine is this Thursday.
To avoid birthday party fatigue, we usually try to have a joint birthday gathering for the both of us.
This weekend was our joint celebration.
We started off at a soon-to-be eight year old’s paradise—Chuckie Cheese, where he had a great time playing games and dancing around.
Once his party was over, the whole family went mini golfing together. Sadly, no one decided to let the birthday girl and boy win. We both clearly came in last place but at least he can blame the snowball that was grabbing his attention. I, on the other hand, have no excuse. I’m just not very good 
When mini golf was over, we headed back to my parents’ house for cake and presents.
The funny part about my Mom is that you never really know what kind of present she is going to get you. She always asks for a list (which she usually gets a few things from) and then proceeds to buy something not on the list.
But the good thing about her impromptu picks is that there is always a caring sentiment behind them. I think it’s one of the superpowers that comes with being a Mom.
This year was no different.
After opening a few presents that were on my list, my Mom handed me a box and gave me her usual, “I know this wasn’t on the list but I hope you like it.”
Inside was a beautiful glass memory box containing a few of my favorite childhood items.
My bunny, which I slept with from the time I was an infant until probably longer than I would like to admit. I really thought I had lost her but once again Moms have an innate ability to find your favorite lost treasures.
Also from my baby years was a picture of me in the hospital as well as my card from the hospital.
My Mom also managed to find a few birthday cards from my early years from my great grandmother, who I truly adored. It was so nice seeing her handwriting again.
For those of you that spent time in Girl Scouts, you’ll recognize this as a Brownie sash. My Mom hand sewed all those badges on for me.
The great part about the box my Mom chose (it’s from Crate and Barrel) is that everything is movable. I can add to it as the years pass and take items out to hold them.
There’s nothing better than being able to run my finger across my great grandmother’s signature, which I wouldn’t have been able to do if she had made a shadow box.
The older I get the more I’ve come to appreciate how thoughtful and sentimental my Mom is—it’s honestly one of her best qualities. As I get closer to being a Mom myself (and no I’m not pregnant), I’ve also become more grateful about having such a great role model for a Mom.
Thanks for the beautiful gift Mom (and Dad—although I’m sure he had no idea what was going on). I hope when I become a Mom I will be as thoughtful and sentimental with my daughter as you are with me.
