The Un-Birthday, Birthday

Every once in a while, life creeps in and birthdays are not very special.

Today was Caden's 9th birthday. He jumped out of bed exclaiming "wow, I'm nine today!" (I know this because he was sleeping - his last time, he promises - in my bed.) Then he jumped out of bed and gave me a hug "my first nine-year-old hug!" Too cute, my boy.

Here's the rub: Cole was in a hockey tournament and they made it into the next round which meant we had to play, happily, on Sunday. Today. Caden's birthday.

The good thing was Caden's buddy from school was at the rink with his big brother, Cole's teammate, and they kept each other company. I'm sure, though a bit premature at 9 years of age, we will see plenty of photos over the years of these two boys at the bar :)

Claire had the camera and snapped this pic of Cole in action. He had a great tournament.

So great a tournament, that during the game this morning he earned "Player of the Game". He was over the moon thrilled; so good for his shattered confidence.

On the way home from the arena, we stopped by Marble Slab Creamery on Lakeshore. Caden has been asking for months, really, since last fall, to go for ice cream at this place. I suppose it's like a Cold Stone Creamery found in the States.

It might not be much, but it was what we could manage for today. As special as we can manage for our much loved, special boy. Not to fear, a birthday party is being organized, just not today.

I laugh as I write this. Caden is sound asleep. Has been for over an hour. In my bed. He came in, gave me a hug and in a voice only Caden can manage, gently said "mama, it's going to be hard to get used to my bed again, can I just start here with you?" Melt my heart. Maybe he'll sleep in his bed next year.