I have always been over excited when it comes to birthdays. October. The whole month. It's mine. And I've always celebrated my half birthday every April. Nothing off the wall. Maybe I treat myself to a glass of champagne. Or dinner out depending on the day. So when we had kids, I naturally had to celebrate theirs too.
When we met Lucca and Vivi, Lucca had just turned two, so I was beyond excited to celebrate 2.5 with him! We didn't know how long they would be with us. Every single court date they said three more months, which meant there was a possibility we wouldn't be able to celebrate 3 with him. Foster care is so unpredictable, and the kids go through more than most of us will ever know. Knowing this, I knew that celebrating their half birthdays was nonnegotiable.
The moment Lucca saw the simple decorations and the half cake, his eyes lit up and he was so excited! That joy is something I wish I could bottle up and keep forever. A very simple and inexpensive thing made him feel so loved and so special. At that moment, seeing the joy in his eyes, I knew that this seemingly little moment, had so much more meaning for all of us.
The tradition continued for Vivi's 1.5 birthday, and I'm telling you. There is nothing better than seeing the elation on their face when you sing happy half birthday and let them blow out the candles. Little effort, maximum reward.
So what do we do to celebrate?
This banner + cake topper
This hat
1/2 cake (our grocery store sells 1/2 round cakes, and if I can't find one, I grab an 8 inch round, cut it in half, and freeze the other half for another time. It definitely does not make it to the next celebration. But you could totally do that if you have that kind of will power!
Candles - push the candle signifying the half in a little farther than the rest!
When Lucca and Vivi see their half birthday decorations and their smiles light up, there is nothing better than that.
When the next half birthday rolls around in your family, I hope you choose to acknowledge it in some way. No matter how small. I'd guess that it brings happiness to your whole family and makes the birthday boy/girl feel like they are on top of the world!
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