William Eric Snyder. My Liam.
The fifth first son in the Snyder line to be named William. The fifth first son in the Snyder line to have his middle name be his Mother's Father's name.
Wil"Liam" Eric Snyder
And then celebutard Tori Spelling had to name her first born Liam and ruin it all, but that is for another blog post.
Liam's 4th birthday is this upcoming Sunday, April 19th, but we decided to celebrate it last Saturday after Grandpa Olsen's annual easter egg hunt. Liam, being 4 and oh-so-literal, refused my explanation of conflicting celebration dates and actual birth dates, so Saturday was his birthday, through and through. He woke up earlier than usual, a smile plastered to his face, and spent the day asking people (and strangers) to wish him happy birthday.
"Uncle Ross, say Happy Birthday!" he'd say.
To the friend he made at the park: "Wish me Happy Birthday!" After she obliged, he said "Thank you!"
Liam and I practiced birthday party etiquette the night before. He very enthusiastically thanked the ether for his presents, and promised to never say the words "more" or "what else". He originally wanted an easter bunny birthday cake, but at the last minute decided on a G.I. Joe themed cake (it was almost a Strawberry Shortcake character request, thank goodness we steered away from that one, I'd never hear the end of it).
Billy and I filled the long desired request for a kid camera, and also a cool helmet, roller skates, skate board, knee, elbow, and wrist pads kit (for only 11.99!) at Toys'r'us. Melida and Jonny and the kids got him TWO play-doh kits, Aunt Cindy gave him the Polar Express DVD, and Aunt Jean gave him a cool airplane stuffed animal. Cousins Rachel and Charlotte gave him a solid chocolate bunny. Snyder Grandparents gave him real walkie-talkies and a CARS sleeping bag, and the Olsen Grandparent's gave him a hamster. A real hamster. Yet to be named.
The boy was elevated to a state of pure joy with everything. It was the first time I've seen the magic of birthdays fully come to life in his eyes. Holidays are special, and typically represent foundational elements of our faith, and the need to keep those themes central always remain in the forefront of my parental mindset, but birthdays, geez, I can make them as child-centric and gift-focused as I want. The sole purpose of the birthday is to celebrate the child's life, and we can chose to celebrate as we wish. Presents are just one way, but ultimately a big way, to make them magical for little kids. It was so fun seeing Liam so surprised and so excited.
This is all I can write for now, Billy has started a good movie and I am going to go snuggle with my man.
4 comments:
I can't believe Liam is 4! What a big boy! I also didn't know that his first name was William. Tell him Happy Birthday from the Hoopes'! We miss you guys and playgroup immensly:(
Oh my word! I can't believe he's FOUR! I mean I remember when you had him and now he's 4! Maybe it's shocking because I remember when you were pregnant and when you had him I wanted what you had SO BAD (and had for months and months). And thinking that I just got Charlie 18 months ago makes 4 years seem so old/long ago! Does that make any sense?
Well anyways, to get back on topic... you sure do have a cute boy, and I totally agree that birthdays should be a total celebration!! So fun. And remember how we have the same b-day. Happy (very late) birthday to you! Hope it was a good one!
Happy Birthday Liam!!
Big R. First of all, can I take a cake/cookie decorating class from you? Why are you so good at domestic tasks?
Second, Liam is 4! So unbelievable. Next year is 5, which means school. Why can't our babies stay little? He is getting to be such a handsome boy. Tell him Dottie says happy birthday.
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