Happy Birthday to the Climber

The Climber: from Babyhood to Eight.


And then, today, he turned nine. Nine!



Compared to the Cherub's hyper-excited and counting down the days approach, the Climber has been super laid back about his impending birthday. Even this morning, the day itself, he calmly went about his morning business; a leisurely breakfast, a little stint on the computer; and it was left to me to say don't you want your presents?

Oh. Okay. Yes please.



He was very pleased with his haul, and was also heard to say this is going to be the best party ever! as the first guests arrived, even though in my head it wasn't actually a party. In my head I was calling it a gathering; Astrid, Jenny and crew from Mothers Group, Nell, our friend Malcolm, my Dad and Cherub's best mate. Because in my head, I had thought that the Climber (whose birthday falls in the summer holidays, meaning he never gets to have a party that is at all connected with his school or school friends) ought to have a proper outing/party this year and was going to organise a rock-climbing type affair for him when school started back. But while he's not averse to this idea he still really wanted a backyard party *ahem* gathering with mothers group friends and lolly bags and cake. And actually, just by telling myself it wasn't a party, just a gathering, I was far less stressed about pulling it all together and it was all very easy and a lot of fun.



And so now I have a nine year old. It's a little bit amazing and a lot wonderful. Just like him.